Venezuelans heading to the polls on Sunday will confront an unusually provocative question: whether to grant their government an open-ended mandate to invade neighboring Guyana and seize three-quarters of its oil-rich territory.

This move by Nicolás Maduro’s government is part of a longstanding territorial dispute dating back a century, intensifying tensions in the region and risking the escalation of a potential armed conflict.

The contentious question will be included in a five-part referendum, seeking approval for various measures, including granting Maduro special powers for the invasion of Guyana, the Miami Herald reported.

If approved, a new Venezuelan state named Guayana Esequiba would be established, covering 74% of the current landmass of English-speaking Guyana.

While some experts view this as a political maneuver, many Guyanese perceive the threat as genuine, expressing concerns such as the potential loss of citizenship.

Written by B.C. Begley