CARACAS, Venezuela — President Nicolás Maduro is poised to be inaugurated for a third six-year term on Friday, continuing his controversial reign until 2031. This comes despite numerous allegations of electoral fraud and significant protests against his government. On the eve of his inauguration, opposition leaders have raised serious doubts about the legitimacy of his reelection, claiming that opposition candidate Edmundo González actually won. As reported by AP News, the opposition alleges that the electoral authorities failed to provide detailed vote counts.

Protests erupted in the capital, Caracas, where hundreds gathered to voice their disapproval. During these demonstrations, María Corina Machado, a key opposition leader, was reportedly briefly detained by security forces but later released. Her aides stated that she was coerced into recording videos under duress. This crackdown only fueled the condemnation from local and international leaders who have called for the release of political prisoners and denounced the government’s heavy-handed tactics. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressed solidarity with Machado and González, stating, “These freedom fighters should not be harmed, and MUST stay SAFE and ALIVE” (source: AP News).

International responses have been swift, with leaders across the Americas and Europe condemning Maduro's administration for its repressive measures. The U.S. and several other nations recognized González, who claimed victory with a decisive margin in the troubled election. As the AP News detailed, a large portion of the opposition collected tally sheets from over 85% of voting machines, suggesting that González received nearly double the votes of Maduro.

In response to the anticipated return of González from exile, Venezuelan authorities announced a suspension of all commercial flights between Venezuela and Colombia for 72 hours. This move, accompanied by a notable increase in arrests of prominent opposition figures, adds to the fraught atmosphere surrounding the inauguration. Recent arrests include that of a former presidential candidate and a free speech activist, among others. Such actions underscore the gravity of the political climate, where fear and repression loom large over public dissent.

The upcoming inauguration ceremony is expected to see a significant absence of international dignitaries, with several leaders opting out amid the ongoing political crisis. The Venezuelan government’s history of manipulating past elections feeds into skepticism about any form of legitimacy in this one, as many believe the voting results were pre-determined. The AP News notes that the 2018 election faced widespread condemnation for similar reasons, with many countries backing then-opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president.

This enduring conflict and the humanitarian crisis it has precipitated, including a mass exodus of over 7.7 million Venezuelans, position the international community in a challenging scenario as President-elect Trump prepares to re-engage with the situation post-inauguration. The full ramifications of Maduro's continued governance will unfold amid ongoing unrest and a deepening economic crisis, with Venezuelans continuing to face challenges of poverty, hunger, and violence.