Elections’ fraud trial… Court proceeds with voir dire despite absence of defence attorney in

Feb 26, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – The trial into alleged fraud during Guyana’s 2020 General and Regional Elections continued on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, with voir dire testimonies despite the absence of a key defence attorney.

Although several prosecution witnesses were present and prepared to testify, cross-examination could not proceed due to the continued absence of defence attorney Eusi Anderson who is leading cross-examination for some of the accused. In his absence, the court allowed the prosecution to continue leading evidence in the presence of another defence representative.

The prosecution, expressing frustration over the delay, applied for the defence counsel to collectively represent the defendants, arguing that Anderson’s absence should not impede the progress of the case.

Those charged include former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; former District Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers; former Minister of Health Volda Lawrence; APNU+AFC Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith Joseph; and former GECOM employees Sheffern February, Michelle Miller, and Denise Babb-Cummings.

The accused allegedly conspired between March 2 and August 2, 2020, to manipulate election results at the Ashmins Building in Georgetown, thereby defrauding electors across Guyana.

On Tuesday, Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty was informed that Anderson, who represents Babb-Cummings, was out of the jurisdiction and could not be contacted. Despite repeated attempts by other defence attorneys to reach him, there was no communication, resulting in the matter being adjourned to Wednesday.

However, when proceedings resumed, Anderson was again absent, delaying cross-examination in the voir dire involving Sheffern February and Denise Babb-Cummings. Both women, who served as registration officers with GECOM, are accused of declaring false vote counts during the tabulation process at the Ashmins building.

Prosecutor Latchmie Rahamat objected to the delay and asked the court to permit another defence attorney to conduct the cross-examination, noting that all counsels are collectively on record for the defendants. She emphasised that the voir dire and trial dates had been fixed months in advance with the agreement of the attorneys.

“These dates were reserved since November last year. Witnesses have been scheduled and prepared for months.  Persons have already been briefed, a lot of the other civilian witnesses and these witnesses have jobs,” Rahamat told the court, adding that the prosecution had planned to complete February’s voir dire and begin that of Babb-Cummings.

Rahamat further argued that each defendant is represented by multiple attorneys and that no prejudice would result if another lawyer handled the cross-examination. She criticised the absence of prior notice regarding Anderson’s unavailability.

“All of the defendants have five lawyers. We do not believe there is any prejudice in permitting the evidence of these witnesses to be led,” she said. She added that it was unfair to expect the prosecution to reorganise witnesses within 24 hours after months of preparation.

Other defence attorneys in the matter include Nigel Hughes, Dexter Todd, Darren Wade, and Ronald Daniels. Daniels appeared virtually, while Tiffaine Rutherford of Hughes, Fields & Stoby attended in court on behalf of Hughes.

Responding to the prosecution’s application, Daniels explained that the defence has maintained a practice whereby the specific attorney representing a particular client conducts that client’s voir dire, including leading evidence and cross-examination.

“That practice has not changed,” Daniels told the court. “I have not taken any involvement in these proceedings, having regard to the manner in which our respective representation.”

Rutherford subsequently sought instructions from Hughes and agreed to oversee the testimonies only, to ensure some progress in the matter.

The magistrate informed the court that Anderson had indicated he would be available to conduct cross-examination by Friday.

During Wednesday’s voir dire, several members of the Guyana Police Force testified against February and Babb-Cummings. Those giving evidence included Inspector Nigel Stephens of the Criminal Investigation Department; Assistant Superintendent Komal Pitama of the Cove and John Police Station; Detective Superintendent Rodwell Sarabo of the Brickdam Police Station; Inspector Hamlet DaSilva of Police Headquarters at Eve Leary and the Tactical Services Unit; Detective Inspector Shane James of CID Headquarters; and Lance Corporal Sherwin Benjamin of CID Headquarters.

The matter has been adjourned to Thursday for the continuation of the trial and on Friday for the witnesses on Wednesday’s proceedings to be cross-examined.

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• Elections fraud Trial, GECOM, Keith Lowenfield, Roxanne Myers’

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