Nandlall accuses Hughes, defence team of clear attempt to delay election fraud trial

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has again voiced concerns over attempts to delay the 2020 election fraud trial, highlighting what he believes are clear efforts by the defence, including Attorney Nigel Highes, to stall proceedings.

Speaking on Tuesday evening, Nandlall expressed frustration with the ongoing delays in the case, which has been pending for over four years.

The trial, which has seen various procedural matters addressed, is set to face another hurdle as the Acting Chief Magistrate, Faith McGusty, is expected to deliver a decision on December 30 regarding whether the trial will start afresh.

The case was called for oral submissions on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the key question of what constitutes restarting the trial was discussed.

The case has already suffered numerous delays, with evidence being presented and former presiding magistrate Leron Daly proceeding on sick leave. Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty has since taken over the case, which has led to the current dispute over how the trial should proceed.

The prosecution and defence are at odds over whether the trial should begin from scratch or whether the hearings can resume with the evidence already presented.

Nandlall, representing the prosecution, has argued that only the trial itself should be restarted, as only a small number of witnesses have testified thus far.

He contended that the defence’s insistence on restarting the entire process—re-reading the charges and having the defendants plead again—is merely a tactic to further delay the proceedings.

“The defence team is clearly trying to derail the trial,” Nandlall stated.

“They are afraid to go to trial because the evidence is overwhelming. Many of you witnessed the crimes first-hand, and the footage and statements are still available on social media. The defence doesn’t want these cases to proceed because they are aware of the strong evidence against them.”

Nandlall’s comments reflect the prosecution’s belief that the defence is deliberately obstructing the trial. He also emphasised the public’s keen interest in the case, which has become a matter of national importance. The public, he said, is anxiously awaiting the resolution of these cases.

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