Venezuelans overwhelmingly supported a referendum claiming Guyana’s disputed Essequibo region, with over 95% voting for a new Venezuelan state. Administered by Guyana for over a century, the 159,500 sq-km territory represents two-thirds of Guyana’s land. Critics accuse President Maduro of using the non-binding referendum to distract from election demands, urging mass votes for five “yes” questions. Venezuela contests a 1899 tribunal decision awarding Essequibo to British Guyana, currently before the International Court of Justice. The most controversial question, favoring the “Guayana Esequiba state,” received a 95.9% “yes” vote. Guyana denounces annexation attempts, blaming Maduro for escalating conflict.
Despite broad support for Venezuela’s Essequibo claim, critics question the 10.5 million votes’ credibility, with opposition figures suggesting only two million voters participated. Media reports cast doubt on high turnout claims, noting quiet polling stations. Tensions surged since ExxonMobil’s 2015 oil discovery off Essequibo’s coast, escalating in September’s oil exploration auction. Guyanese citizens formed human chains, expressing support for Essequibo under their government’s control. Guyana’s president Irfaan Ali reassured citizens, they will defend the nation’s borders, while the International Court of Justice warned Venezuela against altering Essequibo’s status quo. The referendum intensifies regional and international concerns amid geopolitical disputes.
