Despite U.S. Indictment, Mohamed Remains MP—VPAC Urges Leadership Clarity

The Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC) is calling on the senior leadership of all parliamentary Opposition parties to reach an urgent consensus on who should serve as Leader of the Opposition, following the indictment of We Invest In Nationhood (WIN) Party leader and newly elected Member of Parliament, Azruddin Mohamed, in the United States on serious criminal charges. Mohamed is widely expected to be selected for the post, given that WIN holds the largest number of Opposition seats, according to the official results declared by the Guyana Elections Commission after the September 1 General and Regional Elections.

In a statement issued via social media, VPAC leader Dorian Bess described the development as “a troubling and unprecedented moment in Guyana’s modern political life,” stressing the importance of a stable and credible Opposition at a time of national uncertainty.

“These revelations cast a dark shadow over the integrity of Guyana’s parliamentary system and the credibility of the Opposition, at a time when the nation needs stability and leadership the most,” Bess stated.

VPAC stressed that it is not for them—or anyone else—to determine guilt or innocence, as that is a matter for the courts. However, it warned that the nature of the allegations carries far-reaching implications for the Opposition’s credibility, both in the eyes of the Guyanese public and the international community. While Guyana remains a sovereign nation governed by its own laws, the handling of this matter will signal whether its democratic institutions are guided by principle or political convenience.

Currently, the Opposition in Parliament comprises three parties:

• We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) – 16 seats

• A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – 12 seats

• Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) – 1 seat

VPAC argued that with such a distribution of seats, internal rivalries or leadership delays could seriously undermine the Opposition’s credibility.

“The responsible thing to do now is for the senior leadership of all Opposition parties to meet and arrive at a common understanding before the National Assembly convenes,” Bess said. “This is not the time for jockeying, grandstanding, or internal rivalries.”

VPAC also weighed in on the legal implications of Mohamed’s indictment, stating it “fully expects” the United States government to issue a formal extradition request. However, any such request ought to follow established legal procedures under treaty law, which guarantees the accused due process and the right to contest extradition in the courts.

Extradition, as governed by international treaties, is a legal process that allows for judicial review and respects the rights of the accused, rather than a political or automatic action. Even if a request is filed and granted, Mohamed would still have the right to challenge it in Guyanese courts. In Guyana, the court of last resort is the Caribbean Court of Justice(CCJ).

Meanwhile, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, confirmed to Stabroek News that Mohamed will remain a sitting Member of Parliament unless convicted of a crime. Citing Article 156 (2A) of the Constitution of Guyana, Isaacs explained that MPs only cease to perform their duties if convicted, sentenced, or otherwise legally disqualified.

He pointed to the case of former People’s Progress Party/Civic (PPP/C) minister Dr. Jennifer Westford, who remained in Parliament throughout her court proceedings on charges of misappropriating over $600 million. Westford and her aide were charged in August 2015, those charges dismissed in August 2018

Guyana stands on the cusp of the 13^th  Sitting of the National Assembly, and VPAC’s call highlights a pivotal test for the parliamentary Opposition. With political scrutiny intensifying both at home and abroad, the nation watches closely—not only to see how its elected leaders navigate this moment, but whether the rule of law and the right to due process will prevail, or if political expediency and disregard for legal norms will trump the day.