Mayor Earl Trapp Calls for Probe into Alleged Electoral Irregularities

San Ignacio and Santa Elena Mayor Earl Trapp is calling for an investigation into alleged electoral irregularities in Polling Area 73 ahead of next year’s municipal elections. In a September 29 letter to Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai, attorney Darrell Bradley, writing on Trapp’s behalf, requested an audit of the voters’ list and a review of voter registrations, transfers and the conduct of the March 2025 general elections.  The letter alleges that large numbers of voters were registered at addresses where they did not live. It cites one address on Orion Street where eighteen people were reportedly registered shortly before the January 2024 deadline, followed by another sixteen during that year’s transfer period. Bradley also claims that twenty-three names ordered removed by a magistrate remained on the voters’ list, and that some of those individuals subsequently voted.  The complaint extends to election-day procedures. According to the letter, sixteen opposition scrutineers experienced delays entering voting stations, with some waiting more than an hour. It also raises allegations of unauthorized proxy voting, voters being required to cast ballots under supervision, and loud political campaign music being played immediately outside the polling area.  Bradley further says an audio recording, allegedly capturing an electoral officer expressing opposition to an opposition candidate’s victory, was shared with the Chief Elections Officer. He is asking the department to investigate whether electoral duties were carried out impartially.  Among the requested measures are the preservation of election records, a written account of the department’s findings, corrective action where necessary, and independent observers for the upcoming municipal elections. The letter says Trapp’s team is prepared to provide court orders, registration information, photographs, videos and other supporting material.