In response to the rising tensions, Brazil has reinforced its border with both Venezuela and Guyana.
The Essequibo region, which represents two-thirds of Guyana's territory, is rich in oil and gas resources.
Venezuelans have voted in a non-binding referendum to approve the takeover of the Essequibo region, a disputed territory with neighboring Guyana.
Venezuelans have recently voted in a non-binding referendum to approve the takeover of the Essequibo region, a disputed territory with neighboring Guyana. The Essequibo region, which represents two-thirds of Guyana's territory, is rich in oil and gas resources. The referendum, which saw a turnout of close to 50%, resulted in overwhelming support for annexation. However, the practical implications of the vote are expected to be minimal, as the Venezuelan government's next steps remain unclear.
The referendum has escalated a long-standing territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, causing concern in the region. In response to the rising tensions, Brazil has reinforced its border with both countries. The Brazilian military has moved armored vehicles and troops to improve security and surveillance along the border. Despite the increased security measures, Brazil's top diplomat for Latin America and the Caribbean does not believe the situation will lead to armed conflict.
The referendum has also stirred confusion and controversy. An opposition politician suggested that each voter cast a total of five votes, one for each question on the referendum related to Venezuela's claim. This claim has not been confirmed and remains a point of contention. Furthermore, despite the Venezuelan government promoting the vote with a nationalist campaign, images of empty voting centers circulated throughout the day. Some opposition politicians participated in the referendum, while others questioned its legitimacy and called on the population not to be manipulated.
Guyana's President Irfaan Ali has assured the country that there is nothing to fear and that the government is working to protect the country's borders and keep people safe. The Guyanese authorities see the poll as a provocation and are likely to resist any attempts by Venezuela to annex the Essequibo region.
The region in dispute is a 160,000-square km area that is mostly thick jungle and has become a point of contention due to the discovery of offshore oil and gas.
The tally stirred confusion, as an opposition politician suggested that each voter cast a total of five votes.
Guyana's President Irfaan Ali assured the country that there is nothing to fear and that the government is working to protect the country's borders and keep people safe.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The tally stirred confusion, since an opposition politician suggested that each voter cast a total of five votes -- one for each question on the referendum related to Venezuela's claim.
The referendum had a turnout of close to 50% and resulted in overwhelming support for annexation.
The Venezuelan government promoted the vote with a nationalist campaign, but images of empty voting centers circulated throughout the day.
Some opposition politicians participated, while others questioned the referendum and called on the population not to be manipulated.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The president of the CNE, Elvis Amoroso, declared three hours after the closing of the polling places that participation in defense of Venezuelan sovereignty over Essequibo and the Geneva Agreement of 1966 was close to “10 million people,” a turnout figure that even former president Hugo Chávez, whose legacy remains alive through Chavismo, did not reach at the height of his popularity.
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(60%)
The Chavista administration had deployed a huge nationalist campaign to promote a map of Venezuela that incorporates the oil- and mineral-rich territory, which is larger than Portugal.