Venezuelans took part in a non-binding referendum on Sunday, hoping to strengthen their country's century-old claim to the oil-rich Essequibo territory, currently under the control of neighboring Guyana. The voting turnout appeared light in various districts of Caracas and other areas, prompting electoral officials to extend polling station hours until 8:00 pm. Results are expected to be announced early Monday, igniting concerns in Guyana and the region about Venezuela's intentions regarding the disputed territory.

The government of President Nicolas Maduro launched an intensive campaign leading up to the referendum, with posters proclaiming, "Essequibo is ours!" displayed across the streets of Caracas. Maduro's administration, as well as many Venezuelans, firmly believe in their country's historical claim to Essequibo. "We are convinced that Essequibo is ours. It has always been ours," said Mariela Camero, a 68-year-old Venezuelan who cast her vote in a working-class area of Caracas.

Meanwhile, thousands of people in Guyana participated in solidarity with their government by forming human chains, wearing T-shirts that read, "Essequibo belongs to Guyana." President Irfaan Ali assured the people that Guyana's borders are secure. Despite concerns in Guyana of Venezuela's intentions with the disputed territory, Maduro's government stated that they do not seek to invade or annex Essequibo.

The referendum, however, holds little immediate significance as the people of Essequibo are not participating, and the outcome is non-binding. The tensions between the two countries have been increasing since Guyana initiated bids for offshore oil exploration blocks in September, with a major discovery announced in October. These petroleum reserves, similar to those of Kuwait, have the highest reserves per capita in the world.

In response, the Maduro government has intensified its rhetoric and conducted military exercises in the area. President Ali sought to calm the nation by affirming that there is nothing to fear and reiterated that the issue surrounding Essequibo has been settled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which validated Guyana's claim.

Venezuela has long asserted that the Essequibo River acts as the natural border between the two nations, as declared under Spanish rule in 1777, and claims that Venezuela's lands were unjustly taken by Britain in the 19th century. On the other hand, Guyana maintains that the border was established during the British colonial era and was confirmed by a court of arbitration in 1899.

The referendum encompasses five questions, including proposals to establish a new Venezuelan province called "Guyana Essequibo," granting Venezuelan citizenship to the inhabitants, and rejecting the jurisdiction of the ICJ. The Maduro government predicts an overwhelming "yes" vote.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, attending the COP28 environment conference in Dubai, expressed the belief that the referendum would likely produce the outcome desired by Maduro but hoped that "good sense will prevail." Opposition politician Maria Corina Machado dismissed the referendum as a "distraction," while some locals in Guyana, like businessman Dilip Singh, played down the significance of the vote, stating, "The referendum is probably important for them, for Venezuela — not for us."

As Venezuelans anxiously await the announcement of the results, the future of the Essequibo territory remains uncertain.