Overview

• Nicolas Maduro's party secured a sweeping victory in Venezuela's legislative and regional elections, consolidating his control over the nation's institutions.
• For the first time, Venezuela held elections to designate representatives for the Essequibo region, disputed with Guyana, despite the territory being under Guyanese administration.
• Maduro reaffirmed Venezuela's claim over the oil-rich Essequibo, declaring that Guyana must accept Venezuelan sovereignty and promising state support for the newly elected representatives.
• The Essequibo elections, held in a specially created Venezuelan district near the border, were denounced by Guyana as a threat, with Georgetown reinforcing its border defenses.
• The International Court of Justice continues to handle the long-standing territorial dispute, which has been intensified by oil discoveries in the region since 2015.