Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, raised concerns on Tuesday night regarding the upcoming election of Guyana’s next Leader of the Opposition, cautioning that the rise of an internationally indicted fugitive to the position would be a “grave indictment” of the country.
The election, scheduled for Monday, January 26, was announced by Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, during a live broadcast on the National Communications Network (NCN). Azruddin Mohamed is expected to be elected as the Leader of the Opposition, despite facing sanctions and indictment in the United States and currently undergoing extradition proceedings.
Nandlall described the situation as unprecedented and potentially damaging to Guyana’s reputation. “It is an indictment on our country, an indictment on the English-speaking Caribbean, for a US-sanctioned person, a fugitive offender, a person indicted by a jury in the United States for a number of international financial crimes, to possibly become the Leader of the Opposition of our country,” he said.
Highlighting the gravity of the development, the Attorney General emphasized its implications for Guyana’s parliamentary system, the Constitution, and the broader Commonwealth. “We are making history for all the wrong reasons,” Nandlall warned.
He affirmed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has taken a firm stance against the potential election of Mohamed, rooted in a commitment to the rule of law. “The People’s Progressive Party, the party of Cheddi Jagan, is proud to stand in opposition to such a person being elevated to that high post,” he stated, asserting that their position would be vindicated by history.
Nandlall underscored the constitutional importance of the Opposition Leader’s role, likening it to that of an “alternative president” of the country. “We are yet to fully appreciate the impact his election will have,” he added, also noting possible repercussions as indicated by the United States Ambassador if such an appointment were to occur.
“We do not elect the individual in question and do not support his elevation,” Nandlall clarified. “Those who will vote to support him will be judged for their position,” he said, emphasizing that history would record the involvement of those backing the appointment of a fugitive offender to a high constitutional office.
Despite facing criticism for his views, Nandlall remained unapologetic. “I have taken this position for a long time, and I am proud of it,” he declared.
