Venezuela has elected a governor to represent the new state of Guayana Esequiba, despite an order from the International Court of Justice that voting not take place in the region.

The area is currently the subject of a territorial dispute with neighbouring Guyana, however Venezuela’s government said it does not recognize the court’s authority in the case.

President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist party won the elections, that were boycotted by the opposition, in protest over his disputed re-election last year.

According to Reuters, the electoral authority confirmed Mr Maduro’s party held its significant majority in the National Assembly, winning nearly 83% of the votes.