Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro held regional elections in a disputed region with significant oil reserves, sparking international concern. The disputed territory of El Esequibo is claimed by neighboring Guyana and recognized by many countries as part of their sovereign land.
The US State Department described the election as a “sham,” citing concerns over its legitimacy and potential implications for regional stability. Maduro’s move to include this region in the elections has raised eyebrows, particularly given Venezuela’s poor human rights record and disputed claims to the territory.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/25/venezuela-guyana-el-esequibo-territorial-dispute-elections