President Nicolás Maduro is set to extend his rule over Venezuela until 2031, despite protests and allegations of electoral fraud. The latest controversy stems from the inauguration scheduled for Friday, where Maduro is expected to be sworn in for a third six-year term.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado was briefly detained by security forces ahead of the inauguration. Machado, who has been barred from running for office, joined anti-Maduro protesters in demanding that opposition candidate Edmundo González be sworn in as president instead.
The international community, including leaders in the Americas and Europe, condemned the Venezuelan government for suppressing opposition voices and demanded Machado's release. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressed support for Machado and González, calling them 'freedom fighters.'
The dispute over the election results began when electoral authorities declared Maduro the winner without providing detailed vote counts. The opposition collected tally sheets from electronic voting machines, claiming González had won twice as many votes as Maduro. The lack of transparency led to nationwide protests and allegations of electoral fraud.
The government responded to the unrest by arresting over 2,000 demonstrators and encouraging citizens to report ruling-party adversaries. More than 20 people were killed during the protests, with reports of torture in custody.
It remains uncertain whether heads of state will attend Friday's inauguration ceremony. Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced he would skip the event in protest of recent detentions of opposition members and human rights defenders.
Opposition candidate Edmundo González, who is currently in exile in Spain, faces threats of arrest should he return to Venezuela. His daughter suggested government involvement in the kidnapping of her husband, raising further concerns about political persecution.
The controversy surrounding Maduro's extended rule highlights ongoing political tensions and human rights violations in Venezuela, drawing international condemnation and calls for transparency in the electoral process.
