Witnesses Testify on Alleged SOP Manipulations
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
Day 22 of the high-profile election fraud trial resumed on Monday before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
During the morning session, Ronda-Ann Lam, presidential candidate for the Citizenship Initiative (TCI) in the 2020 General and Regional Elections, took the witness stand. Lam testified that during the tabulation process at the command center, she observed changes made to Statements of Poll (SOPs).
According to her testimony, the alterations reflected a systematic raising of votes for the APNU+AFC coalition and a corresponding lowering of votes for the PPP/C, which she and other party representatives formally objected to.
Lam further recounted witnessing one of the defendants, identified only as “Enrian,” leaving the room with a flash drive in hand, claiming he was “tired.” She also recalled hearing District Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo make a declaration during the controversial proceedings.
Cross-Examination of Lam
Defense attorney Nigel Hughes pressed Lam on why she did not record Mingo’s declaration on audio or video, despite having the capability to do so.
Afternoon Session – ANUG Witness
In the afternoon, Jonathan Yearwood of A New and United Guyana (ANUG) returned to the witness box for cross-examination. Yearwood admitted that counting agents had no authority to interrupt or direct a returning officer’s work, nor did observers—whether local or international—have such powers.
He also conceded that although he photographed SOPs, he never lodged formal complaints with GECOM regarding officials’ conduct. Instead, he handed over SOPs provided by the PPP/C, without initiating any independent verification process.
Case Background
The trial stems from the disputed 2020 elections, which were marred by allegations of fraud and political turmoil. Several former GECOM officials and political operatives face 19 charges related to electoral fraud, accused of conspiring to alter the outcome of the vote.
The prosecution has announced its intention to call 73 witnesses in total. The matter is scheduled to continue on September 16.
