Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on Monday ruled that the 2020 election fraud trial should start afresh.
The case has already faced several delays, even after evidence was presented and with the presiding magistrate, Leron Daly, proceeding on sick leave. The Acting Chief Magistrate has since taken over the case.
However, she indicated that the Court will now have to decide the mode of the trial, that is, whether it is to be done summarily or indictably.
The Acting Chief Magistrate is expected to rule on the mode of trial on January 13, 2025. Submissions are to be filed by January 6, 2025.
The trial involves nine defendants, including former government minister Volda Lawrence and former GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield.
The accused face charges related to conspiring to defraud voters by manipulating the election results during the disputed 2020 General and Regional elections.
