By Belize Live News Staff: The ongoing election fraud case in Cayo North took a dramatic turn when the defense challenged the court’s ability to hear the matter. The case revolves around a dispute over voters on the list, with the Representation of the People Act requiring that such cases be determined before the fifth of every month. However, the defense has now argued that by passing this date, the court may have breached the constitutional rights of the 101 voters in question.
Lead claimant Omar Figueroa, representing the United Democratic Party (UDP) for Cayo North, explained that despite visits to several addresses with a suspicious number of voters, no decision has been made in the lower court regarding these objections. Figueroa stated:
“No determination was made as to the status of the 101 names to whom we had filed objections. An argument was presented in court that going beyond the October 4th deadline, which is stipulated in the law, really violated the constitutional rights of the 101 voters to whom we had objected.”
He added that the magistrate court did not have the legal authority to rule after the October 4th deadline, and the case has now moved to the higher court for a decision on whether the magistrate had the authority to proceed. Despite the challenges, Figueroa remains hopeful, stating:
“We remain hopeful, and we remain confident that our position is robust. We have the evidence that makes our objections valid.”
The case has now been referred to the High Court, with both sides expected to present their arguments. The defense, led by attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley, contends that the voters should remain on the list, with an appeal likely if the magistrate’s decision is quashed.
As the legal teams prepare for their next court appearances, the future of the 101 voters and the validity of the election remain in limbo.
