Consultative referendum on Esequibo: Venezuela wonders about its future

Venezuela announces a consultative referendum on the future of Esequibo, a resource-rich region disputed with neighboring Guyana.

Share:

Venezuela-Guyana-Essequibo-dispute

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

A consultative referendum on the Esequibo will be initiated by Venezuela for December 3. It should be noted that Esequibo is a disputed region with neighboring Guyana. The National Electoral Commission, chaired by Elvis Amoroso, confirmed this decision after receiving the request from Parliament. The purpose of the consultation is to enable the Venezuelan people to decide on the “way forward” for Esequibo. The Esequibo conflict, also known as Guayana Esequiba, is a 160,000-square-kilometer territory currently administered by Guyana. It is rich in oil deposits, minerals and watersheds. Guyana, a former British colony, claims that the border between the two countries was defined in 1899 by a court of arbitration. However, Venezuela considers that the natural border is the Esequibo River, as was the case in 1777.

The stakes of the referendum

The Venezuelan National Assembly has activated the Constitutional Initiative to allow citizens to determine the path forward for the Republic. The President of the Parliament, Jorge Rodriguez, said, “It is essential to establish historical, geographical, economic and social truth in an indisputable way.” What’s more, Venezuela’s boundaries are those established in 1777. This decision is aimed at resolving a long-standing territorial dispute.

The dispute over the Esequibo has led to diplomatic tensions between the two countries since August. Guyana has over 10 billion barrels of oil reserves. It has also become a key player in the energy sector. Guyana’s president, Irfaan Ali, asserted that the Esequibo was “100% Guyanese” and that the country was clear about its borders.

This referendum should enable Venezuela to clarify its position on the Esequibo. At the same time, it will help him make crucial decisions about his future.

Final Analysis
Venezuela’s consultative referendum on the Esequibo raises important questions about the future of this resource-rich region. Venezuela is seeking to put an end to a long-standing territorial dispute with neighboring Guyana. The outcome of this consultation will have a significant impact on the region’s geopolitics and economy. It illustrates the importance of resolving territorial disputes peacefully and democratically.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calls for modernising the oil industry and expanding export markets as Tehran faces the possible reactivation of 2015 nuclear deal sanctions.
The Ukrainian president demanded that Slovakia end its imports of Russian crude, offering an alternative supply solution amid ongoing war and growing diplomatic tensions over the Druzhba pipeline.
The United States cuts tariffs on Japanese imports to 15%, while Tokyo launches a massive investment plan targeting American energy, industry, and agriculture.
Brazil’s Cop 30 presidency aims to leverage the Dubai commitments to mobilise public and private actors despite ongoing deadlock in international negotiations.
Brasília has officially begun the process of joining the International Energy Agency, strengthening its strategic position on the global energy stage after years of close cooperation with the Paris-based organisation.
During a meeting in Beijing, Vladimir Putin called on Slovakia to suspend its energy deliveries to Ukraine, citing Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as justification.
Vladimir Putin and Robert Fico met in China to address the war in Ukraine, regional security and energy relations between Russia and Slovakia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico plans to meet Vladimir Putin in Beijing before receiving Volodymyr Zelensky in Bratislava, marking a diplomatic shift in his relations with Moscow and Kyiv.
The three European powers activate the UN sanctions mechanism against Iran, increasing pressure on the country's oil exports as Tehran maintains high production despite Western measures.
Iran once again authorises the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its nuclear sites, following a suspension triggered by a dispute over responsibility for Israeli strikes.
First suspect linked to the Nord Stream pipeline explosions, a Ukrainian citizen challenged by Berlin opposes his judicial transfer from Italy.
Ukrainian drones targeted a nuclear power plant and a Russian oil terminal, increasing pressure on diplomatic talks as Moscow and Kyiv accuse each other of blocking any prospect of negotiation.
A Ukrainian national suspected of coordinating the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage has been apprehended in Italy, reigniting a judicial case with significant geopolitical implications across Europe.
Russia continues hydrocarbon deliveries to India and explores new outlets for liquefied natural gas, amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.
Azerbaijani energy infrastructure targeted in Ukraine raises concerns over the security of gas flows between Baku and Kyiv, just as a new supply agreement has been signed.
The suspension of 1,400 MW of electricity supplied by Iran to Iraq puts pressure on the Iraqi grid, while Tehran records a record 77 GW demand and must balance domestic consumption with regional obligations.
Beijing opposes the possible return of European trio sanctions against Iran, as the nuclear deal deadline approaches and diplomatic tensions rise around Tehran.
The United States plans to collaborate with Pakistan on critical minerals and hydrocarbons, exploring joint ventures and projects in strategic areas such as Balochistan.
Around 80 Russian technical standards for oil and gas have been internationally validated, notably by the United Arab Emirates, Algeria and Oman, according to the Institute of Oil and Gas Technological Initiatives.
Baghdad and Damascus intensify discussions to reactivate the 850 km pipeline closed since 2003, offering a Mediterranean alternative amid regional tensions and export blockages.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.