Election fraud trial to continue on Friday but new Magistrate and fresh start possible

The much-anticipated trial concerning alleged election fraud during the March 2020 General and Regional elections is set to resume on Friday November 01, following a series of delays caused in part by the ill health of the presiding magistrate, Leron Daly.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall addressed the ongoing situation during his “Issues in the News” commentary Tuesday night, confirming that should Magistrate Daly remain unwell, a new magistrate will be appointed to oversee the case.

This change, however, will necessitate starting the trial anew.

“The last information we received indicated that Magistrate Daly is still unwell, which has contributed to the postponement of these important proceedings,” Nandlall explained.

He called for the judiciary to act decisively, urging the new magistrate to establish firm timelines for the trial’s progression.

Nandlall emphasised that, as per legal practice, the trial must commence afresh if a new magistrate is assigned.

He expressed hope that this fresh start would occur promptly, allowing for the trial to be conducted without further undue delay.

The trial had originally been slated to continue on October 31, but due to the public holiday for Diwali, it has been pushed back to November 01. If the situation remains unchanged, the judiciary will have to take immediate action to ensure the trial can advance efficiently.

On September 17 when Magistrate Daly was reported ill, the case was adjourned.

The acting Chief Magistrate, Faith McGusty, had indicated then that if Daly’s condition did not improve, alternative arrangements would need to be made for the continuation of the trial.