Venezuela’s Oil-Rich Nation Votes on Annexation Referendum
Venezuela to Hold Referendum on Annexation of Neighboring Guyana
Venezuela is set to hold a referendum this Sunday that could result in the annexation of two-thirds of neighboring Guyana. This has caused concern even before the polls are opened, as Guyana is known for its rich oil and mineral resources.
Those who go to the polls on December 3 will be asked whether they recognize Venezuela’s rights over Guyana’s Essequibo (ESQUIBO) region. The region in question is approximately the size of Greece, and the referendum could lead to the annexation of lands with rich oil and minerals.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is campaigning heavily to get votes in favor of possible annexation. Maduro has also promised that the majority of the people in the region, who are locals and oppose the Guyanese administration, would be granted citizenship after a possible annexation.
It is worth noting that the vote does not mean a definitive annexation decision, and it is unclear how this will happen legally and de facto. The Guyana administration has applied to the International Court of Justice to stop the referendum.
Venezuela has considered the region in question as its territory since the Spanish colonial period. The majority of the people in the region are locals who oppose the Guyanese administration, and if annexation were to occur, they would become Venezuelan citizens.
As the referendum approaches, the international community is closely watching the situation to see what the outcome will be and how it will affect the already fragile political situation in South America.
