93-Year-Old Witness Testifies in 2020 Election Fraud Case
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – A 93-year-old former independent observer, now a presidential advisor, took the stand in the ongoing 2020 elections fraud case, recounting events at the GECOM Command Centre and his interactions with key electoral personnel.
Nasim Mantoor, who observed the 2012 elections and now serves as an advisor to President Irfaan Ali, testified that he visited four polling stations on March 4, 2020, before proceeding to GECOM’s command center, where he witnessed the controversial Region 4 tabulation process.
According to his testimony, Mantoor observed Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo calling out tabulated results, which drew objections from PPP/C representatives. Shortly after, GECOM Chair Claudette Singh reportedly entered the room and halted the process.
Mantoor further alleged that the proceedings were disrupted by Carol Smith-Joseph, described as a “known PNC figure,” who shouted at Mingo to continue and ignore the objections. However, when asked in court to identify Smith-Joseph, who was present, he could not do so. In an unusual moment, the witness’s wife, seated in the courtroom, reportedly gestured toward the defendant, prompting Magistrate Faith McGusty to have her removed.
Under cross-examination, Mantoor was questioned about whether he had ever provided false information to police in 2020. He declined to answer, calling the question “unfair.” The magistrate reminded the prosecution to clarify the scope of the witness’s testimony to avoid infringing on privileged communications.
The defense also pressed Mantoor about why his 2020 police statement omitted details about the March 4 incident and his political affiliations. While he admitted to supporting the PPP/C’s 2020 manifesto, he maintained that he acted as an independent observer during the elections. Mantoor also confirmed that President Ali appointed him to assess 19 state agencies following the change in government.
The trial, which resumes on June 25, centers around 19 charges of electoral fraud involving multiple former GECOM officials and political operatives. The prosecution is expected to call approximately 73 witnesses as the case progresses.
