At a recent press briefing, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo delivered what many initially dismissed as harsh criticism of emerging presidential hopeful Mr. Azruddin Mohamed. Some viewed his words as personal attacks. However, as events unfolded, it became clear that Dr. Jagdeo’s observations were not unfounded; in fact, they were eerily accurate.
In what can now be viewed as a moment of political foresight, Dr. Jagdeo clearly stated that Mr. Mohamed “will find it difficult to put two sentences together coherently.” Although this comment initially faced criticism, Nomination Day on July 14 served as a public validation of its accuracy. When the time came for Mr. Mohamed to step into the spotlight, it was clear to everyone watching that he was utterly unprepared for even the simplest political engagement.
Dr. Jagdeo, in a daring move, even extended an open invitation: “Face the press and answer questions… I’ll give him my Thursday’s slot.” The challenge was not just symbolic; it was a direct test of Mohamed’s ability to handle the demands of political leadership. That challenge was declined. But on Nomination Day, in front of the culturally significant Umana Yana, the press finally got their chance to engage with Mr. Mohamed—and what unfolded could only be described as a political trainwreck in slow motion.
When asked basic, essential questions—about party policies, priorities, positions on the border controversy, a manifesto, prime ministerial choices, or even reasons why Guyanese should trust someone under U.S. sanctions—Mr. Mohamed’s answers ranged from “very soon,” to “maybe,” to “I don’t know.” There were no explanations. No vision. No strategy. Just vague placeholders where leadership should have been.
Instead of presenting a bold new political vision, Mr. Mohamed’s press engagement revealed what can only be called a glaring lack of preparation. For someone who claims to have traveled the “length and breadth of Guyana” and interacted with “tens of thousands” of citizens, it’s baffling that he couldn’t articulate a single, concrete policy initiative. His responses showed not just a lack of depth, but an absence of any planning whatsoever.
It raises serious questions: Was his campaign ever about serving Guyana, or is it just an elaborate act to avoid scrutiny? As one reporter bluntly noted, it seems Azruddin is simply trying to “bluff his way to the presidency.”
His star power and public appearances may have created a persona, but charisma alone doesn’t qualify someone for high office. Leadership is not a performance; it’s a responsibility—one that requires readiness, depth, and integrity.
Mr. Mohamed’s inability to respond effectively highlights larger problems: an unskilled campaign team, a party still lacking direction 48 days after its launch, and a lack of clear social and economic policy. Even if the party is new, Mohamed’s ambition is not. He has had months—if not years—to develop and express ideas. The fact that he hasn’t done so speaks volumes.
In contrast, every other party that appeared on Nomination Day, regardless of its size or newness, was at least able to give the media and the public a glimpse into its policy priorities. The WIN party, by failing to do so, has exposed itself as unserious and fundamentally hollow.
Sometimes we are expecting too much from a politically illiterate Azruddin with no formal education, as indicated by his uncle living in the USA.
Today, politically illiterate Azruddin and his paid mob are touring villages to convince the unsuspecting villagers that he is innocent and a victim of the PPP government. Azruddin Mohamed is not mentioning the U.S. law authorities sanctioning him. What he is doing is blaming the PPP government for victimizing him and his family. Instead, he is handing out cash to voters. Azruddin is buying support from the villagers, who are unaware of his criminal activities.
The public is asking a straightforward question. Why are the PNC-AFC and other minority parties not speaking out against Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned by US law authorities? The reason is apparent. They want a hung parliament to undermine the economic progress that the people deserve.
The PPP party should reveal all these political points. Hopefully, their grassroots volunteers are doing it.
At its core, running for the presidency is not just about image; it’s about ability, ethics, and vision. A credible candidate should have a proven track record, whether in public service or the private sector, and someone who respects the rule of law—not someone under active sanctions by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). As Jagdeo rightly pointed out, “a presidential candidate… should have a decent track record… must be law-abiding and have a deep respect for the law.”
Guyana’s next president must demonstrate a clear understanding of both local and global issues, as well as the ability to communicate effectively, listen attentively, and respond thoughtfully to earn the trust of citizens. It’s about more than just rallies and social media hype. It’s about being prepared and accountable to the people.
As the 2025 elections approach, voters need to cut through the noise and look past the glitz. They should ask tough questions, demand honest answers, and most importantly, avoid being swayed by personalities who prioritize flash over substance.
The presidency is not a vanity project. It’s the highest office in the land, a position where popularity alone doesn’t qualify someone. Guyanese deserve better than Azruddin’s bluff and the criminal activities that the USA OFAC, FBI, and Homeland Security have sanctioned.
Azruddin Mohamed is running for president for two reasons: first, to send a subtle message to US law enforcement that he doesn’t care about their sanctions; second, to the Guyana government that he is challenging their authority, showing he can do whatever he wants. The government cannot stop him from running for president.
People in Guyana, including the Guyanese diaspora, are asking one question: Is there no law in Guyana that can prevent a criminal sanctioned by the USA from running for president? Only government law enforcement can provide an answer to this question.
US law authorities are patient, but eventually, both Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin will face justice in the USA. They will serve their jail time in the US.