The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections has taken a decision to cease hearings until February 6. This decision was made by the Commissioners today. But when the hearings resume, the commission said it intends to complete hearings on February 10.
As it pertains to remaining testimonies, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Stanley John said, “As I understand it, we should have the Honourable Attorney General, (Anil Nandlall) and maybe some other Ministers of Government.”
In addition, legal representation for former Deputy Chief Election Officer Roxanne Myers is expected to cross-examine witnesses that have appeared before the Commission.
The Commission of Inquiry has received testimonies from over a dozen witnesses, including staff of GECOM and members of the Guyana Police Force. The testimonies have so far revealed that there was some amount of confusion during the tabulation process of District Four.
Those who testified recounted events like bomb scares, the premature declaration of elections results, and even the ruckus which resulted in the evacuation of the Ashmins Building on March 5, 2020. In addition, those who testified made claims of GECOM officials breaking protocols using spreadsheets and other tabulation mechanisms which were not approved by Commissioners.
But while there were some insightful testimonies, those who were deemed persons of interest at the centre of rigging claims were unable to testify. Many of them opted to remain silent for fear of incriminating themselves. This was primarily due to the fact that there were already involved in criminal proceedings before the courts.
