Maduro’s main electoral opponent calls for suspension of referendum

VENEZUELA’s opposition candidate for the 2024 presidential elections, María Corina Machado, has called for the suspension of the December 3 referendum aimed at annexing Guyana’s Essequibo.

In a statement released on her official ‘X’ (Twitter) page, Machado asserted” “Sovereignty is exercised, not consulted,” expressing her opposition to the scheduled consultation.
“The referendum on Essequibo must be suspended,” Machado said.
She characterised the mechanism as a “distraction” amid the challenging Venezuelan political, economic, and social climate leading up to the 2024 presidential elections.
“It is an error that not only does not contribute to the defence of our territory but can also harm us in our defence in the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” she maintained.
The long-standing territorial controversy predates Guyana’s independence in 1966, with tensions escalating in 2015 following ExxonMobil’s discovery of oil fields.
Machado, who was elected as an opposition candidate to contend against socialist President Nicolás Maduro in the 2024 presidential elections, emphasises the potential negative impact of the referendum on Venezuela’s defence in the ICJ.

GUyana Strong. Just simply proud of my president. And we have shown the world how to stand up to bullies. And how to preserve peace. If only Russia/ Ukraine and Israel/Palestine adopt our approach, our world would be a better place.

NEWS Source: Guyana officially became a member of the United Nations Security Council today, and will serve one of the most important UN organs for the next two years as a non-permanent member.