Venezuela’s decision to hold elections for officials in a disputed territory claimed by Guyana has been condemned as an “assault on sovereignty” by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali. The region, known as Essequibo, is home to significant natural resources and makes up two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.
Venezuela plans to elect regional governors and lawmakers in the area, despite international recognition that it belongs to Guyana. The move has raised concerns about regional peace and security. President Ali has warned that the elections would be illegal and an act of hostility towards Guyana.
Guyana has administered Essequibo for decades, and its borders were determined by an arbitration panel in 1899. Venezuela claims the region due to historical ties and a dispute that escalated with the discovery of oil reserves in 2015.
The US energy giant ExxonMobil’s discovery sparked tensions, which intensified when Guyana began auctioning oil-exploration licenses in 2023. President Nicolás Maduro threatened to partially annex the region by force and pledged to hold elections there.
The Venezuelan opposition has been divided over whether to participate in the election. Some, like María Corina Machado, are urging voters to stay away, while others fear a boycott could play into the government’s hands. Experts warn that any resident participating in the elections would be charged with treason and face serious consequences.
Guyana’s Chief of Defence Staff has called on Indigenous communities to share information about Venezuela’s plans, warning that any support for the elections would be seen as a violation of sovereignty.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/23/guyana-president-venezuela-election-essequibo