Venezuela’s planned Essequibo elections a distraction from domestic troubles, says Jagdeo

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has criticised Venezuela’s planned elections in the Essequibo region, describing the move as an attempt by the Maduro administration to shift focus away from the country’s internal challenges.

Speaking at his weekly press briefing at Freedom House today, Dr Jagdeo said the announcement of elections in the Essequibo followed a low-turnout referendum in Venezuela and is in contravention of international legal directives.

“This is Maduro’s way of deflecting from all of his concerns at home,” Dr Jagdeo stated, citing Venezuela’s ongoing economic difficulties, international sanctions, and a wave of political repression. “He often uses the border issues to deflect attention from those matters.”

The Vice President noted that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued provisional orders in December 2023, directing Venezuela not to take any steps that would alter the status quo regarding the border controversy. A second order reaffirming that position was issued after the elections were announced.

“No action should be taken on the part of Venezuela to disturb what exists today, and which is that we control the entire 83,000 square miles of the sovereign state of Guyana,” he said.

Dr Jagdeo reaffirmed that Guyana has the support of the international community, including the United States, and emphasised the importance of a united national stance on the issue. He also warned that any individuals, whether Venezuelan nationals or Guyanese citizens, who participate in the elections Venezuela is attempting to hold in Essequibo, will face consequences.

“We as a nation need to stand together against this fraudulent regime and their fraudulent elections,” he said, adding that those involved in facilitating or supporting such activities would be held accountable under the law.

A motion expressing national solidarity on the matter is expected to be tabled in Parliament on Friday. Dr Jagdeo expressed confidence that it would receive unanimous support and encouraged all Guyanese to remain committed to defending the country’s territorial integrity.