The Carter Center says it is concerned that banks in Guyana may be “over-complying” with U.S. sanctions by closing the accounts of persons linked to Presidential hopeful, Azruddin Mohamed.
In June 2024, the U.S. government sanctioned WIN presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed, his father Nazar Mohamed, several of their businesses, and Guyanese government official Mae Thomas Jr. for public corruption. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) blocked Mohamed’s assets in the U.S. financial system, and aimed to prevent transactions of money, goods, and services that would benefit Mohamed or the others within the U.S. financial system.
Following approval of WIN’s list in July 2025, three local commercial banks reportedly closed the personal bank accounts of approximately 40 WIN candidates, party members, and their associates. Reportedly, some candidates also have been dismissed by private-sector employers for appearing on WIN’s list. Although the banks have not provided a detailed public explanation of their actions, Carter
Center said they are reportedly concerned about secondary sanctions and their banking relationships with the U.S. financial system.
The closing of accounts of persons affiliated with the Mohameds undermines political participation and electoral integrity by discouraging people from participating fully in the political process, the Carter Center said.
It notes that the private sector has an important role to play in safeguarding democratic rights and freedoms and, as such, must ensure decisions do not discriminate against individuals for exercising those rights.
It stressed that equitable treatment of candidates and political parties during elections, and the maintenance of an open and transparent campaign environment, are critical to ensuring the integrity of democratic elections and the right of every citizen to be elected.
“This right is a universal one and requires that states ensure that their citizens have the opportunity to run for elected office, free from unreasonable restrictions.”
The agency also noted it concern over the WIN Presidential Candidate being denied interior airline service for campaign flights and reports that the party in some instances has been denied use of local public areas for campaign meetings.
“These campaign issues raise concerns about equal application of the rights of freedom of association,” the Center said
