Venezuelans Assert Sovereignty in Referendum on Guyana Territory

Venezuelan electoral authorities claim that 95% of voters in a nonbinding referendum approved the nation's territorial claim on a large portion of neighboring Guyana. The referendum, which raised concerns in Guyana and the region, aims to strengthen Venezuela's century-old claim to the oil-rich Essequibo territory. Despite the outcome, tensions have been escalating since Guyana announced bids for offshore oil exploration blocks. Guyana's President assured the public that there is nothing to fear and that the country is working to protect its borders. Venezuela has claimed Essequibo for decades, while Guyana asserts that the border was set in the British colonial era and validated by the International Court of Justice.