In a country flush with oil revenues and visibly expanding infrastructure, a new false figure emerges on the Guyanese political stage—Azruddin Mohamed. With no formal credentials in economics, Mohamed portrays himself as a champion of the people, offering cash handouts and flashy rhetoric in exchange for support. But beneath the facade of charitable gestures lies a troubling pattern of loophole exploitation, US-sanctioned misconduct, gold smuggling, money laundering, drug dealing for Colombian cartels, and desperate political maneuvering.
1. Cash Handouts: A Criminal Misstep, Not Compassion
In Indigenous communities, Mohamed was caught on video handing out money—cash distributions that resemble vote-buying. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) quickly warned that offering money or gifts for votes is illegal and can lead to fines and up to six months in jail.
PPP Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo bluntly warns voters: Mohamed’s “$50,000 and boat engines” will vanish after the election, along with Mohamed himself. “Who will be there to pay the money?” Dr Jagdeo asked—highlighting that this isn’t about kindness, but survival.
2. Sanctions and Shady Business Ties
Mohamed and his father were hit with U.S. sanctions over allegations of gold-smuggling and significant tax evasion—more than 10,000 kilograms of undeclared gold and $50 million in unpaid duties. Vice President Dr. Jagdeo insists these are not just allegations but part of ongoing investigations by GRA and SOCU, emphasizing that wealth does not mean impunity.
3. Political Vacuum, No Economic Vision
Mohamed’s pitch relies heavily on slogans and lacks substance. He advocates for “reject tribal voting” and unity but provides no credible economic policies or clear plan. When questioned, he falls back on vague populist statements—complaints about expensive eggs and flashy red carpet events—without offering real solutions or a strategic approach.
Contrast this with PPP’s tangible track record:
- GDP nearly quintupled from $5 billion to around $25–$26 billion between 2019 and 2024.
- Massive infrastructure development, including a $260 million bridge and expanded hospitals, schools, and malls.
- Social welfare improvements—free education, healthcare, cash assistance—delivered reliably.
This isn’t accidental development—it’s the result of organized plans and a long-term vision that Mohamed’s campaign completely lacks.
4. Populism That Splits, Not Unites
Mohamed claims to transcend racial politics, but his campaign lacks the ability to foster unity through sustainable governance. Instead, his candidacy risks fragmenting the opposition and causing political instability. Jagdeo points out that Mohamed is aligned not with genuine reform but with emerging opposition coalitions aiming for power without presenting viable governance.
5. Citizens Aren’t Fooled: Populism Doesn’t Translate to Prosperity
Critics are not holding back. A published letter calls Mohamed’s WIN party a potential disaster: “A vote for them is a vote for economic destruction.” Redditors share the same sentiment.
“A criminal who’s rich and does ‘good’ so he will get away with crimes. He’s helping the poor with filthy money … He’ll sell out Guyana, hoard all the money, and give you all pocket change instead of helping the country overall.”
In Conclusion: Integrity, Not Illusion
Azruddin Mohamed’s performance is merely theatrics in politics, not driven by genuine policy or expertise. He uses sanctions to garner sympathy, money to ensure compliance, and charisma to hide a significant lack of substance. In contrast, the PPP has achieved real infrastructural growth during Guyana’s oil boom while protecting democratic institutions and planning for the future.
As voters approach this “mother of all elections,” fundamental transformation—not recycled populism—deserves their trust.
No one should vote for a U.S.-sanctioned criminal who is an insult to the voters of this country. There are a few illiterate voters following the biggest illiterate in this country called Azruddin Mohamed.
After September 1st, Nazar and Azruddin must pack up their bags for jails in the USA and Guyana.