On Sunday, Venezuela is gearing up to hold elections for the governor of Essequibo, a resource-rich area that is internationally recognized as part of neighboring Guyana. This controversial situation involves a territory inhabited by approximately 125,000 people who, along with most countries around the world, assert that Essequibo belongs to Guyana, rather than Venezuela.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's move to include Essequibo in the election is seen by many experts as an attempt to bolster his legitimacy both internationally and domestically. At home, Maduro faces growing discontent, partly due to a military that appears to be losing loyalty amid ongoing troubles.
Last year, Maduro claimed victory in an election where many observers, including international monitors, pointed to a different outcome, suggesting that his opponent won by a considerable margin. The legitimacy of Maduro’s regime is further questioned by reports indicating that military votes have shown significant opposition to him.
This upcoming election not only puts the spotlight on Venezuela’s internal issues but also inflames the historical territorial dispute with Guyana, making it a critical situation for both countries and the region as a whole.
