By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
The 2020 Election Fraud Trial reached its 50th day on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with a heavy focus on the admissibility of evidence. Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty presided over a “trial within a trial” (voir dire) as the court examined whether specific statements and documents from the controversial March 2020 tabulation process can be formally entered into evidence.
The day’s proceedings featured testimony from a key defendant and several members of the Guyana Police Force, highlighting the ongoing tension over the “District 4” results.
Police Witnesses and Cross-Examination
Before the main testimony, the court heard from three police officers who were directly involved in the initial investigations following the 2020 polls.
- The Witnesses: Assistant Superintendent Komal Pitama, Corporal Trevor Moore, and Detective Inspector Shane James of the CID Headquarters.
- The Defense Challenge: Defense counsel Eusi Anderson conducted a rigorous cross-examination of the officers. The defense is reportedly challenging the chain of custody for certain electronic evidence and statements obtained during the immediate aftermath of the election crisis.
- Prosecution Re-examination: Following the defense’s questioning, the prosecution team sought to clarify the procedures used by the police to secure the documents now being challenged.
Enrique Livan in the Witness Box
Former GECOM staff member Enrique Livan, who is himself facing charges in the matter, took the stand for his evidence-in-chief.
- The Background: Previous testimony from agents like Bibi Anisha Muhammad had alleged that Livan was present at the Ashmin’s Building when a flash drive was removed from a laptop during the tabulation—an event the prosecution frames as a key moment in the alleged conspiracy.
- The Testimony: During the voir dire, Livan provided his account of the events. He was subsequently cross-examined by Thomas Astaphan, KC, representing the prosecution.
- The Purpose: This testimony is critical for the Magistrate to decide if Livan’s previous statements to the police were given voluntarily and can be used in the wider trial.
The “Big Three” and Other Defendants
While Day 50 focused on Livan and the police, the case continues to revolve around the high-ranking officials accused of orchestrating the alleged fraud:
- Keith Lowenfield: Former Chief Elections Officer.
- Roxanne Myers: Former Deputy Chief Elections Officer.
- Clairmont Mingo: Former Region 4 Returning Officer.
They, along with prominent political figures like Volda Lawrence and Carol Smith-Joseph, face a total of 19 conspiracy charges. The prosecution’s “long game” involves calling approximately 73 witnesses to prove that there was a coordinated attempt to manipulate the will of the Guyanese people.
What’s Next (Wednesday, Feb 18)
The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday morning. The court is expected to conclude the voir dire proceedings before moving back into the main trial, where Ambassador Sasenarine Singh is slated for cross-examination regarding his “inflated vs. reduced” vote testimony from earlier this week.
