Venezuelan Voters Reject ICJ Jurisdiction in Dispute With Guyana

• Voters in Venezuela rejected the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) jurisdiction over the country's territorial dispute with Guyana. Instead, they backed the creation of a new state in the potential oil-rich Esequibo region in a Sunday referendum.
• Last week, the court barred Venezuela from taking any action that would change the status quo in the area, which is the subject of an active case before the ICJ. However, President Nicolas Maduro's government went ahead with a five-question "consultative" referendum.
• All questions passed with more than 95% approval, according to electoral authority president Elvis Amoroso, who said at least 10.5 million votes were cast for 'yes' but did not confirm the number of voters.
• Some political and security analysts have called the referendum a show of strength by Maduro and a test of support for his government ahead of a planned 2024 presidential election. The court said in April it had jurisdiction, though a final ruling on the matter could be years away.
• The Sunday vote has caused anxiety in Guyana, with the government urging citizens to keep calm. Guyana's President Irfaan Ali participated in a patriotic rally on Sunday, joining hundreds of flag-waving supporters. He has said the ICJ ruling on Friday prohibits Venezuela from "annexing or trespassing upon Guyanese territory".
• On Wednesday, Brazil said it had intensified "defensive actions" along its northern border amid the territorial dispute.

(Source: Reuters)