Election Fraud Trial Delayed: AG Slams Ongoing Delays as “Travesty”
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
With just two months until Guyanese voters return to the polls, only six of 73 prosecution witnesses have so far testified in the long-delayed 2020 election fraud trial.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall says the slow progress means the high-profile case will not be concluded before the September 1, 2025 general and regional elections, calling the situation “a travesty from every conceivable perspective.”
“It is not because the prosecution was not ready. The prosecution discharged its obligation with reasonable competence and diligence,” Nandlall told reporters, adding that those closely monitoring the trial can clearly identify where the delays are coming from.
The trial resumed in February 2025, under the Acting Chief Magistrate, Faith McGusty, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, following multiple postponements since the charges were first filed.
The case involves former officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and several political operatives accused of attempting to manipulate the outcome of the 2020 general elections. They face 19 counts of electoral fraud, including allegations of conspiracy and misconduct in public office.
The six witnesses who have so far testified were subject to rigorous cross-examination by defense attorneys, contributing to the sluggish pace of the proceedings.
Despite the frustrations, Nandlall emphasized that the prosecution remains committed to seeing the case through.
“The trials will continue — and we will see where they end up.”
The high-stakes trial remains under national scrutiny, with transparency advocates warning that delayed justice could further erode public trust in Guyana’s democratic institutions.
