In a dramatic parliamentary session on Monday, Azruddin Mohamed was elected as Guyana’s Opposition Leader despite a boycott by the 12-seat A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). The election proceeded with Mohamed’s We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party leveraging its 16-seat majority, supplemented by a crucial vote from the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM).
APNU parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell justified the walkout, stating his bloc exited once nominations closed with Mohamed as the sole candidate. ‘There was one nomination for the position of Leader of the Opposition. Nominations were closed and, as we’ve said, there is no need for a vote so we left the Assembly,’ Campbell explained. Despite the boycott, he expressed hope for improved future collaboration between APNU and WIN.
The election occurred under the shadow of US sanctions against Mohamed, who faces indictment by a US Grand Jury for alleged financial crimes including mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering related to his gold trading business. House Speaker Manzoor Nadir convened the meeting following international pressure to complete democratic processes after last September’s elections.
FGM Leader Amanza Walton-Desir, whose single vote contributed to Mohamed’s election, suggested APNU’s absence could be interpreted as abstention. Meanwhile, Mohamed acknowledged his new role doesn’t grant immunity from extradition but vowed to combat corruption by the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic administration.
The development sets the stage for potential electoral reforms, with APNU indicating willingness to collaborate on implementing digitalized biometrics for future elections. Questions remain about WIN’s representation on the seven-member Guyana Elections Commission now that it assumes main opposition status.