Guyana asks ICJ to block Venezuela from engaging in electoral activities in Essequibo

The Government of Guyana has called for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to block Venezuela from engaging in electoral activities in the Essequibo region even as the neighbouring countries have a pending border case before the judicial body.

 

The Guyana Foreign Ministry says Guyana informed the ICJ that the planned Venezuelan elections are scheduled to take place on May 25, and would inevitably be preceded by preparatory acts, including acts within Guyana's Essequibo region, affecting the Guyanese population and Guyana's sovereignty over its territory.

 

Guyana says, in order to preserve its rights, the country is requesting that the Court order Venezuela to refrain from any acts within or affecting its sovereign territory, including the Essequibo region.

 

Venezuela, based on a so-called referendum, has included Guyana's Essequibo region, as part of its official map.

 

The Government now plans to hold elections for a Governor and Legislative Council, for among other areas the Essequibo Region.

 

This is the second time Guyana has sought provisional measures from the Court.