Hadiyyah Mohamed steps into Parliament and the spotlight within WIN

GEORGETOWN — Hadiyyah Mohamed was sworn in as a Member of Guyana's National Assembly on Wednesday, November 11, taking up a parliamentary seat for We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) at a time when the party's leader, her brother Azruddin Mohamed, remains in custody.

Her entry into Parliament gives her a formal political role after a period of increased public visibility during her brother's legal proceedings.

She replaces Dr Andre Lewis, who resigned from the National Assembly in October following allegations against him and an ongoing police investigation.

A new seat, a more visible role

Mohamed took the oath during the sixth sitting of the 13th Parliament.

Speaker Manzoor Nadir explained that the vacancy was to be filled by another candidate from WIN's list and that Hadiyyah Mohamed had been selected.

Following the oath, Nadir welcomed her to the Assembly, while Prime Minister Mark Phillips also extended his good wishes.

Under Section 99A of the Representation of the People Act, a parliamentary vacancy is filled by selecting an eligible person from the same list of candidates as the departing member.

WIN's list representative is Azruddin Mohamed. The procedure does not require a new election.

Lewis submitted his resignation in a letter dated October 2. He maintained that his decision should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing or a determination of guilt.

From public advocacy to parliamentary responsibility

Hadiyyah Mohamed was a WIN candidate in the 2025 General and Regional Elections and has spoken publicly in support of her brother during his legal difficulties.

Azruddin Mohamed has been held on remand since October 30 in connection with allegations under the Cybercrime Act involving the alleged unauthorised acquisition and disclosure of police surveillance footage.

Those allegations remain before the court, while a High Court challenge to the refusal of bail is ongoing.

The cybercrime proceedings are separate from other criminal charges and US extradition proceedings involving Mohamed.

What comes next for Hadiyyah?

WIN won 16 seats in the 2025 General and Regional Elections, becoming the largest opposition party in the National Assembly.

Hadiyyah's entry fills the vacancy created by Lewis's resignation and places her among the party's parliamentary representatives.

Although she has gained public attention through her involvement in discussions surrounding her brother, her specific responsibilities within WIN's parliamentary team have not been publicly confirmed.

Her appointment does not, by itself, establish a leadership position within the party.