13 Apr 2018 | 10:45 AM UTC
Guatemala: National referendum on April 15
National referendum in Guatemala April 15 regarding border dispute with Belize; avoid polling stations as a precaution
Event
A national referendum will be held in Guatemala on Sunday, April 15, regarding a border dispute with neighboring Belize. Up to 7.5 million voters could take part, although high voter turnout is not expected. If at least 50 percent of registered voters take part in the referendum, and a majority vote yes, the government will turn to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to claim Guatemalan sovereignty over a 12,100 km² area of Belizean land.
Polling stations will be open between 07:00 and 18:00 (local time). Results are expected to be released later that evening.
Context
The border dispute dates back to the colonial period, when Guatemala was government by the Spanish and Belize by the British.
Advice
Individuals present in Guatemala are advised to avoid polling stations and any potential protests as a precaution.
