Guyana’s opposition lawmakers on Monday elected Azruddin Mohamed as Leader of the Opposition, elevating to one of the country’s most powerful constitutional offices a U.S.-sanctioned businessman who is criminally indicted abroad and currently facing extradition proceedings.
Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, was chosen during a meeting of Opposition Members of Parliament convened by Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir at the Parliament Buildings, hours ahead of the presentation of the 2026 national budget. The vote formally established the leadership of the opposition benches in Guyana’s 13th Parliament.
The United States has sanctioned Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, under measures imposed during the Trump administration. Both men have been indicted in the United States on multiple charges, including money laundering, wire and mail fraud, bribery, tax evasion and related financial crimes. Extradition proceedings are currently before the Guyanese courts.
Political analysts and regional commentators say that while opposition leaders in the Commonwealth Caribbean have previously held office while facing criminal charges or domestic convictions, Mohamed’s elevation appears to mark the first known instance of a U.S.-sanctioned individual being elected Leader of the Opposition within the Commonwealth system.
Mohamed secured the support of all 16 WIN Members of Parliament, along with the lone MP from the Forward Guyana Movement, Amanza Walton-Desir. The 12 MPs from the APNU+ coalition exited the meeting shortly after Mohamed’s nomination was made and did not participate in the vote, parliamentary sources said.
The election was conducted by a show of hands in the parliamentary chamber.
As has been longstanding practice, members of the media were not permitted to observe the meeting. Journalists were also denied access to the Parliament Buildings and the surrounding compound during the proceedings.
Supporters gathered outside Parliament while the vote was underway. Loud cheers erupted when Mohamed arrived at the compound and again when he emerged following the conclusion of the meeting.
Mohamed has denied wrongdoing and has characterized the U.S. case against him as politically motivated. Supporters say his rise reflects voter frustration with Guyana’s traditional political blocs and signals a shift in the opposition landscape.
Others note that the development sharpens the contrast between the government’s emphasis on institutional credibility and external relations and an opposition now led by a figure under international sanctions — a dynamic expected to shape parliamentary debate and political discourse as lawmakers turn to consideration of the 2026 budget.