GEORGETOWN, Guyana — United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot has emphasized the critical need for Guyana to formally appoint an Opposition Leader following the September 1 general elections, highlighting concerns over parliamentary functionality and democratic processes. The electoral outcome returned the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to power, while the newly established We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by Azruddin Mohamed, secured the second-largest parliamentary presence, displacing the former coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
President Irfaan Ali dismissed allegations that his administration has delayed National Assembly sessions to avoid Mohamed’s appointment as ‘absolutely ridiculous,’ asserting that the opposition holds sole authority to elect their leader. Despite this, the Assembly has convened only once since the elections—on November 3, 2025—with Speaker Manzoor Nadir yet to initiate the constitutionally mandated meeting of the 29 opposition parliamentarians to formalize the leadership role, expected to be filled by Mohamed.
Ambassador Theriot, speaking after an event at Banks DIH on Sunday, stressed that a functioning democracy requires an operational Parliament facilitated by an official Opposition Leader. However, complications arise as Mohamed and his father, billionaire businessman Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, face extradition to the United States over serious charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy tied to an alleged $50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme. Their committal hearing is scheduled to resume in February 2026.
Theriot acknowledged that while the U.S. can navigate around Mohamed’s potential leadership in governmental matters, his involvement in financial or contractual issues would necessitate alternative arrangements to ensure unimpeded bilateral engagements. She also noted that international partners, including the European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have jointly called for the expedient election of an Opposition Leader to uphold democratic integrity in Guyana.