– highlights a $5 million fine for the offense, and three years in prison if found guilty

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall has taken note of threats made by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton to prevent foreign language speakers from voting, thereby illegally interfering in the electoral process .
The AG considered on Tuesday that these remarks by the leader of the opposition constituted a threat of “serious crime”.

Minister Nandlall said it was solely the mandate of the constitutional body, the Guyana Electoral Commission (GECOM), to determine who is eligible for registration, once they meet the criteria established by the Constitution.
According to the minister, Norton’s threats must be taken seriously due to the events of the last 2020 elections, when the APNUAFC administration attempted to rig the general elections, using all forms of electoral shenanigans.

The AG noted that Norton appeared to encourage poll workers to prevent any non-English speakers, regardless of their voting eligibility, from voting.
“This is the height of recklessness and irresponsibility and anyone who participates in this process will face the full force of the law,” the minister said during his weekly social media show, “Issues in the News.”

The AG made clear that presiding officers are also subject to charges for these and similar offenses since they are in charge of the polling station, and if they do not take action to promote criminal conduct, they will also be held responsible and could be prosecuted. continued.

Sections 78a and 78b of the amended Representation of the People Act (ROPA) of Guyana clearly state that anyone who interferes with a person’s right to vote or deliberately misleads a voter may face serious legal consequences, including a fine of up to five million dollars. a prison sentence of three years.

These articles further stipulate that for a period of five years after being convicted, offenders have no right to vote or be elected to elected office.
Also referring to the law, Minister Nandlall highlighted that “ROPA specifically provides that persons who do not speak English can use the assistance of an interpreter to vote. »
Minister Nandlall said the law was amended as a preventative action against foreseeable threats such as these.

The Minister also explained that the constitution allows Commonwealth citizens residing in Guyana for one year to vote, regardless of their proficiency in English.
Given these legal provisions, Norton’s threats to defer voters who do not speak English are considered illegal and inconsistent with democratic principles.
As election season approaches, Minister Nandlall encourages Norton to retract his statement and apologize for undermining the free and fair nature of democratic elections. (PPP)