Guyana President Condemns Venezuelan Election Actions
President Irfan Ali has voiced strong concerns over what he describes as a “complete attack on Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” asserting that these actions threaten regional peace.
This Sunday, Venezuelans went to the polls to elect regional governors and lawmakers, including officials for the Essequibo territory, which is internationally recognized as part of Guyana. This area, while largely jungle, is abundant in valuable resources like oil, gold, and diamonds.
In an interview, Ali characterized Venezuela’s actions as part of a “conflict-raising campaign,” emphasizing their implications not just for Guyana but for the entire Western Hemisphere.
“The false elections in which Venezuela attempts to claim our territory are illegal and represent acts of bold hostility. This threat extends beyond Guyana; it jeopardizes the peace of the entire region,” he stated.
Guyana, a former British and Dutch colony where English is the primary language, has governed this territory for many decades. It accounts for two-thirds of Guyana’s land and is home to around 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens. Historical claims to the area date back to a ruling by the Arbitration Committee in 1899, but Venezuela also asserts rights based on colonial boundaries.
The long-standing dispute flared up again in 2015 when ExxonMobil discovered large oil reserves in the region, heightening tensions further in 2023 when Guyana started auctioning its oil exploration licenses.
After a referendum late last year asking voters about becoming part of Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro threatened to annex the territory and mentioned plans for elections there.
Caracas has described Essequibo as a vital part of its territory and rejected an order from the International Court of Justice to halt its plans, asserting that “international pressure or foreign courts will not deter us from our beliefs.”
Dr. Christopher Sabatini, a Latin America expert at Chatham House, noted that Venezuela’s actions seem intentionally designed to stoke nationalism.
Guyana’s defense chief, Brigadier General Omar Khan, urged Indigenous communities near the border to remain watchful regarding Venezuela’s electoral moves. “Please be vigilant,” he advised during a recent meeting.
Khan also made it clear that citizens participating in the elections could face charges of treason. He remarked, “If someone acts in this way, they’re endorsing a passive coup… This all signals a violation of our sovereignty.”
Reports indicate that Venezuela’s newly formed “Guyana SSTI Voibo” encompasses the entire contested region, but voting is likely to occur only in a border municipality. Observers believe Venezuelan forces will likely not cross recognized borders.
Despite encouraging peace, Ali emphasized, “We will make all necessary military, diplomatic, technical, and human investments to defend our sovereignty.”
There is growing skepticism surrounding Venezuela’s election integrity, with accusations that Maduro’s government might manipulate the election process. Reports of a harsh crackdown on dissent persist, as Human Rights Watch highlighted the government’s violent response to pro-democracy movements.
Venezuelans are set to elect 24 governors and 285 lawmakers, but low voter turnout is anticipated.
Some Venezuelans have expressed a lack of faith in the political system. “I’m not voting, nor are my friends or family. We know it’s a scam,” shared 33-year-old Víctor Alfonzo from Anzoátegui.
Opposition leaders are divided over whether to participate in the elections, with some warning that abstaining could play into the government’s hands. In contrast, Maria Korina Machado has urged voters to show up, aiming for a low turnout to embarrass the regime.
Ultimately, Dr. Sabatini suggested that boycotting could render opposition leaders irrelevant, echoing a sentiment that the government’s plan may be to further alienate dissenting voices.
