Guyana faces a serious political and moral test, as Azruddin Mohamed may be elevated to the post of Leader of the Opposition. Although his party secured 16 seats in Parliament, the issue is not merely about numbers but about credibility, integrity, and the nation’s reputation.
The Leader of the Opposition is a constitutional office of immense importance, designed to uphold accountability and provide an ethical counterbalance to the government. Placing a money launderer, gold smuggler, invoice manipulator, and a deeply controversial figure in that role would undermine its purpose and Guyana’s democratic reputation compared with genuine democratic governments worldwide.
Azruddin Mohamed is not a figure free of controversy or unanswered questions. He faces serious criminal charges and extradition to the United States, including allegations of money laundering, gold smuggling, tax evasion, invoice manipulation, and other financial crimes. These are not rumours or political accusations but matters before US federal courts, with extradition proceedings involving the Government of Guyana. The Miami courts have taken cognisance of these allegations, and Guyanese authorities have acted in response to formal US requests. Elevating a person under such a legal cloud to a high constitutional office would be reckless and indefensible.
The political dimension makes the situation even more troubling. The PNC, once the backbone of opposition politics in Guyana, has seen its vote bank collapse, leaving it with only 12 seats. Many within and outside the party believe Azruddin Mohamed played a significant role in fragmenting the opposition space and weakening traditional support bases, including strongholds such as Linden. Ironically, it is now the same weakened opposition that is being pressured to decide his political fate, even as his rise threatens to further erode what remains of its credibility.
There is also the uncomfortable reality that Azruddin Mohamed has benefited politically from Aubrey Norton’s leadership, only to indirectly contribute to the destabilisation of the very party that supported him. Any move to elevate him would not only damage Guyana’s international image but also give him further leverage to dismantle the opposition from within.
Aubrey Norton is a weak leader who is responsible for destroying the legacy of Linden Forbes Burnham’s PNC. Many political observers say he wants to remain the PNC’s leader. The same goes for Azruddin Mohamed, who, given an opportunity, will destroy the PNC for good. Azruddin knows the weaknesses of the Afro-Guyanese voters. They like money, and Aubrey Norton does not have any. Aubrey Norton’s only quality is that he is a control freak who will
Azruddin Mohamed has already destroyed the AFC party. Can anyone tell us where Nigel Hughes is these days? Some political pundits say he has gone back to handling his divorce cases for a living. By the way, Nigel Hughes wanted to be President, but the voters gave him the red card, and he is now in political oblivion. Good riddance!
Azruddin Mohamed will not have a chance with the majority of the Indo-Guyanese because the Indo-Guyanese can easily recognise one of their own crooks. Whereas Azruddin Mohamed found it so easy to buy the PNC Afro-Guyanese voters, and Azruddin knows how easy it is to convince the PNC voters with money.
The PPP has made it clear that it will not support or legitimise Azruddin Mohamed’s elevation to the leadership of the Opposition, recognising the political and reputational risks globally. Guyana’s democracy will be a global laughingstock.
Electing an individual internationally accused of serious financial crimes as Opposition Leader would be a global embarrassment for Guyana. It would signal to the world that the country is willing to ignore the rule of law and basic standards of political ethics. In an era of intense international scrutiny and deep reputational significance, such a decision could have long-term consequences for Guyana’s standing with allies, investors, and democratic institutions.
The people of Guyana deserve better. The nation already struggles with the perception of having too many lawyers, magistrates, and criminals entangled in politics. Ignoring the gravity of this situation would only deepen public cynicism and reinforce the belief that power protects wrongdoing. Until the courts fully resolve these matters and Azruddin Mohamed clears his name in US courts, however, placing him in a position of constitutional authority would be a complete disgrace.
This publication strongly opposes any move to appoint Azruddin Mohamed as Leader of the Opposition. Such a move would not only damage Guyana’s reputation but also undermine the very heart of democratic responsibility. Leadership must be built on trust, integrity, and moral authority — not on unresolved criminal allegations or political manipulation.