ICJ halts Venezuela’s planned elections in Essequibo

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) today reaffirmed the Provisional Measures granted on December 1, 2023, in the ongoing case between Guyana and Venezuela concerning the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899.

The measures are as follows:

1. Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation currently prevailing in the disputed territory, which is administered and controlled by the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

2. Both parties shall refrain from any action that might aggravate or extend the dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve.

The Court unanimously directed that these measures be implemented immediately and effectively.

In a significant development, the Court also ordered Venezuela to refrain from conducting or preparing to conduct elections in the disputed territory currently administered by Guyana, pending a final ruling in the case.

The Government of Guyana welcomed the decision, stating that it reaffirms the country’s position as consistent with international law and marks another legal victory for the nation on the global stage.