Battle for Essequibo: Guyana Fights Venezuela’s Electoral Power Play at World Court

Reuters reports that Guyana asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday to block Venezuela from holding elections in the disputed Essequibo region.

The Guyanese government claims these planned elections would violate a previous ICJ ruling prohibiting actions that alter the territory’s status quo. Venezuela scheduled provincial elections for May 25, 2025, which include selecting a governor for the newly created “Guayana Esequiba” state.

President Nicolás Maduro’s administration passed legislation last year establishing this state within the contested territory. Guyana argues this move “flagrantly violates” the ICJ’s December 2023 order protecting its administrative control over the region.

The disputed area spans 160,000 square kilometers (62,000 square miles) and comprises approximately 70% of Guyana’s territory. This territorial controversy dates back to the 19th century when Venezuela first challenged British colonial borders.

The Paris Arbitral Award established the current border in 1899, but Venezuela renewed its claim in 1962. Tensions escalated recently when a Venezuelan coast guard patrol reportedly entered Guyana’s waters near an ExxonMobil production vessel.

Venezuela maintains these waters remain subject to delimitation under international law. Satellite imagery has also revealed Venezuelan military buildups near the Essequibo border.

Venezuela-Guyana Territorial Dispute Escalates

The dispute gained greater significance after major offshore oil discoveries in the 2010s dramatically increased the region’s economic value. Venezuela’s interest intensified in December 2023 when it conducted a referendum on annexing the territory.

Four days after the ICJ issued its protective order, Venezuela’s National Assembly announced plans to incorporate the region. Guyana has requested expedited ICJ hearings to prevent “serious and irreparable harm” to its sovereignty rights.

The Guyanese government stated the planned elections would inevitably involve preparatory activities within its territory, affecting its population and sovereignty.

International organizations including the Organization of American States, CARICOM, and the Commonwealth have condemned Venezuela’s actions.

Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States have expressed support for Guyana’s position throughout this escalating crisis. The ICJ’s final judgment on this long-standing territorial dispute could take several years to reach.