The ongoing trial into the disputed 2020 General and Regional Elections is set to relocate to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) headquarters on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown on Thursday for a court-ordered inspection of a key location central to the proceedings.
The visit is scheduled for 10:00 hours and forms part of judicial efforts to give the court, prosecution, and defence teams a firsthand understanding of the physical spaces referenced throughout the trial.
The GECOM headquarters has been described in court as a critical “locus” in the case. A similar inspection of Ashmins Building, which housed the GECOM command center during the disputed election process, was already completed.
GECOM Chair Retired Justice Claudette has confirmed that access to the headquarters is granted and the visit can be accommodated as scheduled.
During the inspection, the magistrate, prosecution, and defence teams will conduct pointing out, marking, measuring, and recording of relevant areas. Attorneys and defendants are expected to be present in person, with witnesses asked to indicate their respective placements and explain operational procedures carried out during the 2020 elections.
Among the witnesses expected to be present are Rosalinda Rasul and Jonathan Yearwood, both of whom have completed their testimony. All defendants in the case are also required to attend.
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty informed the court that any new issues arising from the visit may be subject to further cross-examination upon application, although witnesses involved have already concluded their evidence.
The trial continued on Wednesday with witnesses Bibi Aneishaw Mohamed and Dr Frank Anthony returning to the stand for continued cross-examination by defence attorneys. Both witnesses have now concluded their evidence.
Nine individuals are currently before the court charged with conspiring to manipulate the 2020 election results in favour of the APNU+AFC, allegedly in an attempt to deny victory to the PPP.
Those charged include former government minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, among others.
The controversy surrounding the March 2020 elections delayed the declaration of results for five months, until PPP candidate Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President on August 2, 2020. The disputed electoral process triggered widespread international concern and calls for a fair recount of ballots.
