To avoid creating the perception that a presidential candidate was being targeted, law enforcement and tax agencies had paused actions against U.S.–sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, the presidential candidate of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party. Now that the elections are nearly over, the businessman can expect the heat to intensify.
This is according to the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, whose party is projected to be the victor of the September 1 poll.
“A lot of what had to be put on hold because of the campaign and the feeling that if you pursue individuals for their criminal acts who are running for office, it would be seen as victimisation by the state or the ruling party. But that no longer applies; the elections are over,” Jagdeo said.
Mohamed, who has been sanctioned by the US government over alleged gold smuggling and other reported crimes, was also charged with tax evasion over a luxury sports car he imported. He claims that he was assisted by the President, Dr Irfaan Ali.
Jagdeo accused Mohamed of seeking high office to shake off these overseas sanctions and local charges by attaining immunity. He reminded that parliamentarians are not immune from charges. Such powers are also not afforded to the opposition leader, a role that Mohamed would likely play, according to results projections.
“If any individual feels that a parliamentary position will cause them to avoid accountability for criminal acts, then that individual is suffering from a severe case of delusion,” he stressed.
Asked if he foresees any implications with a legislator being a US-sanctioned business who is also facing charges locally, Jagdeo replied, “Parliament will be very interesting. We are a seasoned political party, and we will address it when the parliament is put together.”
