Getting the names of registered voters stricken from the approved list of electors-is not easy-but the UDP in Cayo North have persevered.
On Wednesday Cayo Magistrate Sashawna Thompson ordered the immediate removal of 23 names from the Cayo North list. The individuals, registered in Polling Area 73, had already been ordered struck off the list following earlier electoral fraud proceedings. However, the Elections and Boundaries Department left the names on the roll-allowing those individuals to cast ballots in the general elections-after indicating it would appeal the initial decision. No appeal was ever filed, prompting Wednesday's hearing to enforce the original ruling.
Central to the legal challenge is a critical factual distinction regarding voter eligibility. Contrary to media characterizations suggesting the dispute hinges on whether the challenged voters currently live in the constituency, the case rests on evidence that these individuals never resided in Cayo North in the first place.
While the 23 names have now been ordered removed, the broader legal battle is not yet over. A separate "case stated" matter remains pending before the magistrate.
In what the UDP is interpreting as another victory, Magistrate Thompson ordered the Elections and Boundaries Department to hand over complete, unredacted investigation sheets which query addresses. During the original court proceedings, election officials had complied with a disclosure order by submitting investigation sheets with key information covered up.
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