Azruddin Mohamed promises “integrity” as he announces general election candidacy

Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 17:35 by Writer

City businessman Azruddin Mohamed, who was sanctioned by the United States (US) for tax evasion on gold exports, has finally said he would be contesting the September 1, 2025 general and regional elections and hopes to govern Guyana with “integrity”.

“I remain committed to serving with diplomacy, integrity, and unfaltering dedication to the people of Guyana,” he said in announcing his candidacy on his Team Mohamed’s Facebook platform.

Mr Mohamed also looked forward to election observers from the Carter Center, Commonwealth, Organisation of American States, and the United Nations observing the polls in a fair manner.

“I look forward to the presence of international observers from organisations that endorse the Declaration of Principles for international election observation and are committed to genuine, impartial monitoring,” he said.

“We call on the international community to stand watch to ensure that democratic values prevail and that the voice of all Guyanese, regardless of their race, class or political affiliation, are heard, respected and empowered,” he said.

Mr Mohamed was also charged with making a false customs declaration that the value of his Lamborghini was US$75,300, but the Guyana Revenue Authority said its true value is US$695,000.

He is due to appear in court on May 29, 2025.

There is also a civil case in the High Court concerning the same vehicle.

The former gold exporter and licensed foreign exchange dealer was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department’s Office for Foreign Assets Control for allegedly evading more than US$50 million in taxes on the export of more than 10,000 kilogrammes of gold.

Looking ahead to election day, Mr Mohamed wants Guyanese to go to the polls and give him an opportunity to lift Guyanese out of poverty.

He promised to ensure each Guyanese is treated equally, trust is rebuilt and genuine harmony is forged.

He remarked that the GY$100,000 cash grant to all Guyanese was “not a fair share for citizens of an oil-rich nation.

“Now, more than ever, we need an independent nation with people centered leadership that can transform the lives of its citizens forever, but leadership that serves only itself will lift only a handful of people while offering crumbs from its table to the masses,” he said.

In apparent reference to the criminal and civil cases as well as protests against him by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) supporters in Essequibo and Berbice when he had gone to meet with residents of several communities, Mr Mohamed said the time had come to end such attacks.

“We must reject tribal voting and embrace a new vision a truly equal Guyana, where all are raised up. All get justice, all get wealth, and where anyone who aspires can run for office and not be hunted and persecuted,” he said.

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo had several weeks ago brushed aside any likely impact of Mr Mohamed on the ruling party’s support base, saying that they were virtually the same handful of disenchanted people who emerge during elections.

Mr Mohamed said he was motivated by the “outpouring of public demand” to vie in the elections for the presidency and the 65-seat National Assembly.

At stake, also, are the 10 Regional Democratic Councils. “I am stepping forward today as a young man with a vision for a new Guyana. It is with great honour and humility that I officially declare my candidacy for President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in the upcoming elections this September 1, 2025,” he said.