As Venezuela prepares to hold controversial elections claiming to include Guyana’s Essequibo region, Guyana’s Foreign Minister has firmly stated there is no evidence of any such electoral activities taking place within Essequibo’s borders.
The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has announced plans to stage elections for a governor and legislative council in what it calls “Guayana Esequiba,” a move widely condemned by Guyana and the international community. Venezuela’s National Electoral Council claims that eight deputies and a governor will be elected to represent Essequibo, but the Guyanese government maintains that the territory remains fully under its administration and control.
Guyana’s position is backed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which recently ordered Venezuela to refrain from conducting or preparing to conduct any elections in the disputed territory while the case remains under judicial consideration. Despite this, Venezuela has pressed ahead with its plans, citing a domestic referendum and new legislation as justification for its actions.
However, on the ground in Essequibo, there are no signs of polling stations, voter registration efforts, or any formal electoral arrangements. The Venezuelan government has not provided details on how or where voting would occur within the region, which remains outside its jurisdiction and administrative reach. Analysts and observers view the Venezuelan move as largely symbolic and politically motivated, rather than a genuine attempt to exercise authority over the area.
Guyana’s authorities have issued stern warnings that any participation in Venezuela’s so-called elections within Essequibo would be treated as a criminal offense, including charges of treason. The government has also heightened security and vigilance along the border, citing recent provocations and the need to protect national sovereignty.
The Essequibo region, which makes up nearly two-thirds of Guyana and is rich in natural resources, has been the subject of a longstanding territorial dispute. Despite Venezuela’s claims and recent rhetoric, Guyana’s Foreign Minister and defense officials insist that the territory remains peaceful and under Guyanese control, with no visible signs of Venezuelan electoral activity.
As the scheduled Venezuelan election date approaches, Guyana continues to rely on international law and diplomatic support to uphold its territorial integrity, urging the international community to recognize and reject any unilateral actions that threaten the region’s stability.
