Election Fraud Trial: Local Observer says Police targeted only PPP agents

A local election observer testified on Tuesday that police were summoned to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Command Centre during the contentious March 2020 elections, but only intervened against representatives of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Rosalinda Rasul, who observed the elections on behalf of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), told the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court that although there was widespread unrest involving multiple political factions at the Ashmins Building, police action exclusively targeted PPP agents protesting alleged irregularities.

Rasul described the atmosphere as chaotic, particularly over disputes concerning a false declaration and the use of a spreadsheet containing incorrect vote counts.

Rasul noted during cross-examination that heavily armed police prevented some observers, including herself, from entering the building. Despite the involvement of other political party agents, notably from APNU+AFC, no similar police intervention occurred against them, she said.

The trial, presided over by Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, involves nine individuals charged with conspiring to manipulate election results in favour of APNU+AFC and denying victory to the PPP.

Those charged include former government minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, among others.

The March 2020 election controversy delayed results for five months until PPP candidate Irfaan Ali was sworn in as president in August 2020. Rasul’s testimony continues when the trial resumes on Wednesday, 26 March.