Article First Published: 11th March 2020.
Last updated: March 11, 2020 at 20:00 pm
Today, 11th of March, 2020, the Chief Justice Roxanne George of Guyana’s High Court ruled to block the swearing in of APNU/AFC Presidential Candidate, David Granger.
The APNU/AFC coalition had claimed victory in the March 2, 2020 elections of Guyana and were in the process of swearing in their presidential candidate when an injunction was granted by the High Court to block the swearing in.
At the same time, various observers and international bodies had urged the APNU/AFC coalition not to claim victory since the tabulation of Region 4 votes seemed to be compromised and incomplete.
Related: US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, Tweets about “Support for Democratic Transition” in Guyana.
The matter was heard on Sunday, March 8 and then called again on Tuesday March 10 when the Chief Justice said that she would announce the ruling on 11th of March 2020 at 2 PM, which she did at around 3: 15 PM after a lengthy analysis and explanation.
The Chief Justice said that there has been a breach of section 84:1, and the breaches cannot be condoned. There has been “substantial noncompliance of section 84: 1 of Chapter 103.”
The declaration made by the Returning Officer has been unlawful and is now void and of no effect. The Returning Officer or Deputy Returning Officer of Region 4 must decide on whether to restart or continue the process.
Related: One Dead, Several Injured in Post Elections Riots.
Injunction has been granted to restrain the Returning Officer from declaring results and made final.
“No effort must be spared to ensure everyone that the process has been free and fair.” – Chief Justice Roxanne George.
