ANUG Member Admits to Defying Police Orders During 2020 Elections Tabulation Chaos
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – During cross-examination on Wednesday in the ongoing election fraud trial, Kian Jabour, a member of A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and businessman, admitted to deliberately disobeying police instructions during the March 2020 elections tabulation process.
Under questioning by attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, Jabbor confirmed that he pushed past two police officers and proceeded to the third floor of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) command center, claiming he did so because he believed “democracy was under threat.” He also admitted to kicking open a door to a room where GECOM Chairperson Claudette Singh was present, despite being told by officers that he was not authorized to enter.
Jabour conceded that:
- He had no formal training in electoral law or procedures.
- He had not read any official materials related to the conduct of elections.
- He was unaware of any Guyanese law that would justify ignoring police orders in such circumstances.
He told the court that upon entering the room, he chose not to speak to Justice Singh, citing concern for her health. He described her as “sweating profusely” and later heard she was unwell.
The businessman was also questioned about private criminal charges filed against former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield. Jabbor said he did not recall being a complainant in those matters and was unaware of giving anyone permission to file charges in his name.
Earlier, Jabbor testified that he represented ANUG during the 2020 elections. He recalled seeing Region Four Returning Officer Clement Mingo addressing a crowd from a balcony at the GECOM command center and later saw Justice Singh leaving the building with a police escort. He also witnessed then-PPPC candidate Charles Ramson attempting to hand Singh a document.
The charges in the high-profile trial stem from allegations of a conspiracy to rig the 2020 elections, which were marred by prolonged delays and intense political unrest. Several former GECOM officials and political operatives are now on trial, facing a total of 19 charges related to electoral fraud.
The prosecution has indicated that it will call approximately 73 witnesses in support of its case.
