Venezuelans approve referendum to claim territory in neighboring Guyana

Venezuelans approve referendum to claim territory in neighboring Guyana Enlarge this image toggle caption Matias Delacroix/AP Matias Delacroix/AP CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelans on Sunday approved a referendum called by the government of President Nicolás Maduro to claim sovereignty over an oil- and mineral-rich piece of neighboring Guyana, the country's electoral authority announced. Latin America Venezuela to hold referendum upholding its claim on what Guyana says is its territory Venezuela to hold referendum upholding its claim on what Guyana says is its territory Listen · 3:57 3:57 Throughout Sunday, long lines typical of electoral events did not form outside voting centers in Caracas. Still, before the 12-hour voting session was scheduled to end, the country's top electoral authority, Elvis Amoroso, announced polls would remain open for two additional hours because of what he described as "massive participation." Although the practical and legal implications of the referendum remain unclear, in comments explaining Friday's verdict, international court president Joan E. Donoghue said statements from Venezuela's government suggest it "is taking steps with a view toward acquiring control over and administering the territory in dispute."