Today, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George dismissed the second election petition filed by the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC), challenging the March 02, 2020, General and Regional Elections results.
The petition was filed by Monica Thomas of Lot 58 North Street, Lodge, Georgetown, and Bernnan Joette Natasha Nurse of Lot N16-1079 Critchlow Street, Tucville, Georgetown.
This petition deals with allegations of voters’ impersonation and anomalies, which were raised by the party during the national vote recount.
Among other things, the petitioners wanted an order to declare the elections null and void as it violates the Constitution, the Representative of the People Act and Order 60. They are also asking to nullify President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s declaration as the winner of the elections.
In her ruling, the Chief Justice noted that the documents concerning the petition were served on former President David Granger outside of the five- day statutory period. She pointed out that this procedure must be strictly complied with.
She further mentioned that the non-adherence to the prerequisites requiring service within the stipulated time would nullify the petition.
Notwithstanding, George said that the petitioners had sought to correct this error, but “have failed miserably,” since the evidence presented by them was “manifestly unreliable.”
“I declare that the petition is a nullity and cannot proceed…this petition is therefore dismissed,” the Chief Justice said while she awarded Court costs to the respondents.
Meanwhile, Justice George announced that the second election petition filed by private citizens Claudette Thorne and Heston Raymond Bostwick, both of Lot 63 Barr Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, will proceed.
