Guyana has requested the International Court of Justice to block Venezuela from conducting elections in the disputed Essequibo Region ahead of the May 25, 2025 elections. The request includes several provisional measures aimed at preventing Venezuela from interfering in Guyana’s territory, amidst growing tensions linked to oil discoveries. Venezuela’s previous actions, including a controversial referendum, have undermined efforts to resolve the territorial dispute.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has detailed Guyana’s request for a court order to prevent Venezuela from conducting gubernatorial or legislative elections in the Essequibo Region. Guyana has submitted this request ahead of the elections scheduled for May 25, 2025, asking the ICJ to implement provisional measures while the court evaluates the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Land Boundary with Venezuela.
The provisional measures requested by Guyana include:
1) Venezuela shall not hold any elections or related activities in Guyana’s territory, including:
a) Extending voting rights to individuals in that territory;
b) Distributing electoral materials;
c) Supporting candidates in Venezuelan elections;
d) Establishing polling or electoral stations;
e) Appointing any governmental officials in the territory;
f) Communicating with residents regarding elections.
2) Venezuela shall not attempt to annex any territory on Guyana’s side of the boundary established by the 1899 Award.
3) Venezuela shall not alter the current administrative situation in the disputed area.
Venezuela previously disregarded the ICJ’s orders in December 2023, proceeding with a controversial referendum. Authorities claimed that a majority of voters in Venezuela approved the inclusion of the Essequibo Region into their territory. Last year, legislation was passed declaring Essequibo as a state of Venezuela, with Tumeremo designated as its capital until a resolution is agreed upon with Guyana.
The Venezuelan government has shown escalating hostility towards Guyana since ExxonMobil’s discovery of oil in the offshore Stabroek Block. Recently, it has been reported that a Venezuelan military vessel entered Guyana’s exclusive economic zone, warning drilling vessels that they were unlawfully operating in disputed waters.
After 50 years of UN-led mediation on the border dispute, Guyana eventually filed a case with the ICJ in 2018 to validate the 1899 Land Boundary Award. Despite Venezuela’s rejection of the ICJ’s jurisdiction, the nation continues to misinterpret the 1966 Geneva Agreement, asserting that the resolution can only occur through bilateral negotiations. It is important to note that Essequibo is recognized internationally as part of Guyana’s territory.
In summary, Guyana is seeking the ICJ’s intervention to prevent Venezuela from conducting elections in the disputed Essequibo Region, amidst escalating tensions following oil discoveries. The requests include prohibiting various electoral activities and preventing territorial annexation by Venezuela. Despite Venezuela’s rejection of the ICJ’s authority, Guyana maintains that Essequibo remains under its jurisdiction as recognized internationally.
Original Source: demerarawaves.com
