"Venezuela’s Bold Move in Essequibo Election Sparks International Backlash and Fears of Conflict Over Oil-Rich Region"
In a dramatic and controversial escalation of a century-old territorial dispute, Venezuela held an election on May 25, 2025, for a region it does not control—Essequibo, a vast, resource-rich area internationally recognized as part of Guyana. This unprecedented move has ignited global attention, raised tensions in South America, and triggered warnings from the United States, bringing the threat of conflict into sharp focus. The election, widely condemned by Guyana and the international community, has raised serious questions about sovereignty, international law, and the future of regional peace.
On Sunday, Venezuelan citizens cast ballots to elect a governor and lawmakers for what President Nicolás Maduro calls the “Guayana Esequiba” state—despite the fact that Essequibo is administered by Guyana and its 125,000 residents did not participate in the vote. The move follows a 2023 referendum in which Venezuelans voted in favor of incorporating Essequibo into their country. Maduro announced the election as part of a broader national effort to redefine Venezuela’s territorial boundaries, going so far as to list Essequibo as Venezuela’s 24th state on social media platform Telegram.
Guyana’s reaction has been fierce and swift. President Irfaan Ali condemned the election as “scandalous, false, propagandistic, and opportunistic,” calling it an existential threat to Guyana’s sovereignty. The United States joined in criticizing the vote, with the U.S. State Department denouncing it as a “sham” and reiterating support for Guyana’s territorial integrity.
What Is the Essequibo Region and Why Is It Important?
Essequibo covers nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass and is rich in oil, gas, minerals, and timber. The region is roughly the size of Florida and is home to 15% of Guyana’s population. Strategically important, it borders Venezuela, Brazil, and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a vital economic and geopolitical zone.
The stakes rose dramatically in recent years after ExxonMobil discovered massive oil reserves in offshore blocks near Essequibo. Guyana, once a struggling developing nation, is now poised to become the world’s highest per capita oil producer by the end of the decade. That energy wealth could drastically transform Guyana’s economy—but only if its sovereignty remains intact.
For Venezuela, locked in economic crisis and international isolation, the oil fields represent a potential lifeline. Maduro’s regime has increasingly leaned on nationalist rhetoric to maintain internal support, and claiming Essequibo plays directly into that strategy. However, the move risks war, alienation from international allies, and further economic sanctions.
A Disputed Past: Venezuela’s Longstanding Claim to Essequibo
The roots of the dispute date back to the 19th century, when Venezuela accused the British Empire of encroaching on its territory. An 1899 arbitration decision awarded Essequibo to British Guiana (now Guyana), but Venezuela has never accepted that ruling, arguing it was the product of unfair and colonialist pressure. When Guyana gained independence in 1966, Venezuela renewed its claims.
For decades, the matter remained a diplomatic issue. But in 2018, Guyana took the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking a legal resolution. The court has so far agreed to hear the case but has not yet issued a final judgment. This month, the ICJ explicitly warned Venezuela not to hold elections in the region pending a ruling. Caracas rejected the court’s authority and proceeded with the vote anyway.
The May 25 Election: A Symbolic Power Grab or Strategic Provocation?
Venezuela’s election included the selection of a governor, six deputies to the national legislature, and seven lawmakers to a new regional assembly—none of whom have any practical control over Essequibo. Guyana continues to administer the area, and no polling stations were set up there.
Still, the symbolic impact of the vote is enormous. By installing a government-in-waiting, Maduro is signaling to both domestic and international audiences that he views Essequibo as rightfully Venezuelan. This aggressive maneuvering could be intended to pressure Guyana, influence ICJ deliberations, or galvanize nationalist support ahead of upcoming national elections in Venezuela.
Some analysts believe the vote is less about immediate governance and more about narrative control. With Venezuela’s economy in shambles, Maduro may be using the Essequibo issue to distract from internal problems and rally patriotic fervor.
Guyana Responds with National Unity and U.S. Support
Guyana, for its part, is not standing idle. On the eve of the Venezuelan election, Guyanese officials organized a massive National Patriotic Concert in Essequibo. Thousands of people gathered, waving the national flag and chanting slogans of sovereignty. President Ali declared that “Essequibo belongs to Guyana and we are going to do everything to ensure that Essequibo will forever be part of our 83,000 square miles.”
The show of unity reflects the deep national consensus in Guyana that Essequibo is not negotiable. The government has also sought closer ties with the United States, which has reaffirmed its support and criticized Maduro’s regime for attempting to undermine international law.
Guyana’s military, however, is small—estimated at fewer than 5,000 personnel—and lacks the strength to deter a serious Venezuelan incursion. This vulnerability makes U.S. backing and regional diplomacy even more crucial.
International Community Reacts with Concern and Condemnation
The U.S. State Department called the election a “sham,” and international observers have widely condemned Venezuela’s move as a breach of international norms. The Organization of American States (OAS) and CARICOM, the regional Caribbean bloc, have also expressed concern.
So far, there’s no indication that Venezuela plans immediate military action. But the aggressive political signaling has created a climate of unease. Many fear that a misstep or provocation could lead to armed conflict, especially if Maduro uses military exercises to assert presence near the border.
The ICJ remains the only peaceful avenue for resolution. Guyana has consistently said it will abide by the court’s final decision, whatever it may be. Venezuela, however, insists the ICJ has no jurisdiction. That legal impasse could drag on for years, keeping tensions high and diplomatic relations frozen.
Economic Implications: Oil, Sanctions, and Sovereignty
For both countries, the dispute has high economic stakes. Guyana’s offshore oil production is expected to generate billions in revenue over the next decade. Venezuela, meanwhile, is under heavy international sanctions and has seen its oil industry collapse.
Claiming Essequibo is not just about nationalism—it’s about survival. For Maduro, regaining access to energy wealth could provide a way to bypass sanctions and restore his regime’s fortunes. But at what cost?
If Venezuela continues to escalate the situation, it risks further international isolation and economic consequences. The U.S. and EU have already imposed sanctions on Venezuelan leaders. Additional moves could be made to restrict Venezuelan oil sales, freeze assets, or sanction third parties doing business with Caracas.
Could Armed Conflict Happen?
Though both countries have pledged not to use force, the potential for accidental escalation remains. Venezuela has a much larger and better-equipped military. Any aggressive action—even symbolic troop movements or airspace violations—could spark a crisis.
To deter such actions, Guyana is working with the U.S. and other partners on intelligence-sharing and defense planning. American naval patrols in the Atlantic have increased visibility. Joint training exercises may be on the horizon.
Still, experts warn that a war between Venezuela and Guyana, even if limited, would be disastrous for the region. It could trigger refugee flows, disrupt energy markets, and draw in major powers at a time when global tensions are already high.
The Way Forward: Diplomacy, Law, and Public Awareness
As the situation unfolds, the need for diplomacy has never been greater. Regional actors like Brazil, CARICOM, and the United Nations must work to de-escalate the rhetoric and push both countries toward legal resolution.
Public awareness is also critical. Misinformation and propaganda are already clouding the issue. Venezuelan state media paints Essequibo as “stolen land,” while Guyana presents itself as a peaceful nation under threat. Truth must remain at the center of the debate.
For now, the world waits as the ICJ prepares its ruling. Until then, both sides must tread carefully. The fate of Essequibo—and the stability of northern South America—hangs in the balance.
A Region on Edge, a Dispute in Focus
The Venezuelan election in Essequibo is more than a symbolic act—it’s a high-stakes gambit in a century-old territorial battle that could reshape South American geopolitics. With vast oil reserves, competing historical claims, and international involvement, the dispute between Venezuela and Guyana is a flashpoint that demands global attention.
Whether this ends in peace or confrontation will depend on the choices made by leaders in Caracas and Georgetown, and the strength of international law. One thing is clear: the world cannot afford to ignore what’s happening in Essequibo.