Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton today claimed that the government is actively trying to get a Magistrate of its choice to oversee the current Elections Fraud Trial. He said the President Ali administration has since launched a vicious attack on the current process unfolding in the Magistrates’ Court.

During a press conference today, Norton said the accusation leveled against the Magistrate that she is entertaining frivolous objections, failing to record evidence, and of suppressing evidence, is a well calculated move by the Government to frustrate and intimidate the presiding Magistrate, with the hope to force her out.

Mr. Jagdeo has already indicated that he believes the matter will reach the CCJ. The trial has only been ongoing for three days.

“Information meeting the Opposition is that Bharrat Jagdeo is doing everything to frustrate, and ultimately replace the present magistrate with a magistrate of his choice who he wants to place there to ensure conviction even if there is no case against the accused. Jagdeo must know that there will be serious consequences should he go down his chosen path to a conviction. The law should be allowed to take its course free from political interference,” Mr. Norton said.

Mr. Norton also condemned the Vice President’s statements that he intends to invite international observers to observe the trial. 

Norton said such a move could be seen as one to intimidate the Court.

“ It is undemocratic for the executive to seek to coerce, whether by outright or inferential threats, the courts to bring about its desired outcome in any proceedings before the courts; and it is alarmingly sinister to seek to do this by casting aspersions upon the integrity and impartiality of judicial officers without justification,” Norton told a news conference.

Norton said as the country prepares for another General Elections in 2025, there can be no better time for the Courts to be allowed to do their job, as they have demonstrated themselves very capable in the past.

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