GECOM rules against use of jaguar by Mohamed’s party

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) ruled against the use of the jaguar as a party symbol for businessman Azruddin Mohamed’s  ‘We Invest in Nationhood’ political party.

“After discussion on the concerns regarding the use of Indigenous Symbols by Political Parties, the Chair ruled that pursuant to Article 7 of the Constitution of Guyana, the supreme law, which outlines the duty of citizens to respect national symbols, the use of the Jaguar which is part of the Coat of Arms, is not acceptable,” PPP-nominated Commissioner, Sase Gunraj told the News Room on Friday.

This ruling means that the jaguar, Guyana’s national animal, cannot be placed on the ballot at the September 1, 2025 General and Regional elections.

The Commission was equally divided on the matter (three votes in favour of allowing the symbol and three votes against), but the Chairperson, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh ruled against using it. Therefore, the vote against was carried.

Azruddin Mohamed, the local businessman who was sanctioned by the United States government, announced in May that he will be joining the presidential race in Guyana’s upcoming General and Regional Elections.