Guyana has requested provisional measures from the ICJ regarding Venezuela’s upcoming elections in the Essequibo region, claiming these plans violate an existing Court order. The elections, scheduled for May 25, 2025, could affect Guyanese sovereignty and the local population, prompting Guyana to seek Court intervention promptly to prevent potential harm.
Guyana has formally requested provisional measures from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning Venezuela’s plans to conduct elections in the contested Essequibo region. This action follows an announcement by Venezuela regarding elections planned for May 25, 2025, affecting an area that Guyana considers an integral part of its territory. The request emphasizes that these elections would precede significant preparatory actions within Essequibo, impacting the local population and Guyana’s sovereignty.
In its communication with the ICJ, Guyana has urged the Court to order Venezuela to desist from any actions that might interfere with its sovereign rights, specifically regarding the Essequibo region. This petition follows a previous request for provisional measures, which led to a Court Order on December 1, 2023, directing Venezuela to maintain the status quo in the disputed territory under Guyana’s administration.
Guyana further asserts that Venezuela’s electoral plans directly infringe upon the December 2023 Order, warranting immediate action from the Court. The current request seeks to reinforce compliance with the previous ruling and explicitly requests that Venezuela refrain from any electoral activities within the disputed area or impacting its population of Guyanese nationals. Additionally, Guyana has called for prompt hearings to facilitate timely provisional measures before any irreparable harm to its rights occurs.
In conclusion, Guyana’s recent appeal to the ICJ underscores its commitment to defending its sovereignty over the Essequibo region against Venezuela’s electoral plans. The request not only seeks to uphold previous Court orders but also aims to prevent any actions that might jeopardize Guyana’s territorial integrity and the welfare of its citizens. With the elections scheduled for May 2025, the urgency for the Court’s intervention is evident, as any delay may lead to irreversible consequences for Guyana.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
