Guyana is at a critical juncture. The general elections on September 1, 2025, gave a clear mandate to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.
However, the rise of We Invest in Nationhood as the main opposition has created a constitutional and geopolitical crisis that requires urgent action. At the centre of this crisis is one man, U.S.-indicted Azruddin Mohamed.
He is set to become the Leader of the Opposition despite being a US-sanctioned individual facing extradition for serious criminal charges. The national interest calls for him to step back.
Let’s be clear about what’s at stake. Mohamed is not just a businessman dealing with legal issues elsewhere; he is, as stated by the United States Treasury Department, a sanctioned individual accused of gold smuggling, money laundering, and tax evasion that cheated Guyana out of over US$50 million between 2019 and 2023.
He is undergoing local extradition proceedings on multiple counts. Yet, he seeks the second-highest constitutional office in our country. This isn’t simply a matter of party politics or foreign interference; it concerns our credibility and survival as a nation.
The risks are real and immediate. First, the economic threat is significant. The US Embassy’s response to questions about sanctions is telling. While Guyana itself is not broadly sanctioned, “US persons are not generally prohibited from investing in Guyana, provided no sanctioned persons are involved in such transactions.”
Having a sanctioned individual in a high constitutional role creates uncertainty that will deter legitimate investors, especially when Guyana’s energy economy needs stability and capital.
Second, there’s the security issue. Given Venezuela’s recent political instability and its long-standing claims over a significant portion of Guyanese territory, our nation needs strong institutional integrity and clear diplomatic standing.
A sanctioned Opposition Leader would weaken both. Third, there is the reputational damage. Guyana is establishing itself as an energy leader on the global stage, and allowing constitutional offices to be bought with money and political maneuvering sends a harmful message.
The postponement of the opposition leadership election—now scheduled for January 26, 2026—has been a cautious decision, despite international pressure. Speaker Manzoor Nadir deserves recognition for resisting the urge to rush an outcome that would undermine Parliament itself. His actions reflect a commitment to constitutional duty, not obstructionism. When a legislator is clearly unfit for office, protecting institutional integrity is a responsibility.
So, what should Mohamed do? The solution is straightforward and honourable. He should voluntarily step back in favour of his party’s deputy, face the US judicial system to clear his name, and return to Guyana as a vindicated individual. If he is truly innocent, as he claims, a trial will prove it.
If he refuses, his silence will speak volumes. There are capable alternatives on Guyana’s Opposition bench. Parliament needs leadership free from extradition issues and international sanctions.
The constitutional stakes are clear. Democracy is not just about winning elections; it involves restraint and the wisdom to understand when personal ambition must take a backseat to national interest.
Azruddin Mohamed should see this moment as an opportunity to show real statesmanship. He should step aside, face trial, and return victorious. Guyana’s future cannot be sacrificed for one man’s political ambitions.
