Venezuelans Hold Referendum on Disputed Territory with Guyana

Venezuelans are voting in a referendum over a disputed territory with Guyana, which is potentially oil-rich. The referendum includes a question rejecting International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction to decide the ownership of the territory. President Nicolas Maduro sees the referendum as a show of strength and a test of support for his government. The court has ordered Venezuela to refrain from taking any action that would alter the status quo, but did not explicitly forbid the vote. The territory in question is a 160,000 square km region mostly covered by jungle. Political analysts expect voters to approve the proposal due to the lack of opposition and the likelihood that those opposed will not participate. The referendum is seen as a way for Maduro to test his electoral machinery ahead of the 2024 presidential election.