Nicolas Maduro to Be Sworn in for Third Term Amid Controversy Over Election and International Criticism

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose nearly 12-year tenure has been marred by a prolonged economic and social crisis, is set to be inaugurated for a third term on Friday. This comes despite widespread international criticism and a contentious six-month dispute over the July presidential election.

Election Controversy and Opposition Claims

Maduro was declared the winner of the July election by Venezuela’s electoral authority and top court. However, the detailed vote tallies supporting his victory have not been made public. Opposition leaders argue the election was deeply flawed, citing ballot-level tallies that they claim show a landslide victory for their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, who has been recognized as the president-elect by several nations, including the United States.

International election observers deemed the vote unfair, further fueling political tensions. Gonzalez, who fled to Spain in September, has pledged to return to Venezuela to assume the presidency but has provided no specific timeline or plan.

Repression and Political Unrest

The months following the election have been marked by escalating repression. High-profile opposition figures, including Gonzalez’s ally Maria Corina Machado, have faced detention or gone into hiding. Machado re-emerged publicly at an anti-government rally in Caracas on Thursday but was briefly detained amid reports of violence. Her political party, Vente Venezuela, claimed she was assaulted and coerced into filming videos during her detention. Machado later stated on social media, “I am now in a safe place and more determined than ever to continue with you until the end!”

The Maduro administration has dismissed these allegations, accusing the opposition of fabricating incidents to garner public sympathy.

Meanwhile, the government has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to Gonzalez’s arrest and closed borders with Colombia for 72 hours, citing security concerns. Both Gonzalez and Machado are under investigation for alleged conspiracy, with an active warrant issued only for Gonzalez.

Economic Turmoil and Humanitarian Concerns

Venezuela’s prolonged economic crisis continues to define Maduro’s presidency, characterized by triple-digit inflation and the migration of over 7 million Venezuelans seeking better opportunities abroad. While the government attributes the economic collapse to U.S.-led sanctions—particularly on the oil industry—it has also claimed partial success in controlling inflation through orthodox economic measures. Maduro announced that Venezuela’s economy grew by 9% last year, a claim his administration has celebrated as a sign of resilience.

Nevertheless, opposition supporters, including many retirees, highlight pressing concerns such as unemployment, inflation, and unreliable public services. They remain critical of Maduro’s economic policies and what they describe as the government’s failure to address citizens’ fundamental needs.

International Reactions and Sanctions

Global condemnation of Maduro’s administration persists, with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump labeling Venezuela a dictatorship. International organizations, including the United Nations, have denounced the government’s repression of opposition groups and independent media.

The Maduro government has responded by accusing opposition leaders of colluding with foreign governments and intelligence agencies, including the CIA, to orchestrate acts of sabotage and terrorism. This week, authorities claimed to have detained seven alleged “mercenaries,” including a U.S. military official and an FBI agent.

Looking Ahead

Maduro announced that his first act of the new term would be a call for constitutional reform, though he has provided no specifics. Meanwhile, the government claims it has released 1,515 of the 2,000 people detained during protests following the disputed election.

As Venezuela prepares for another term under Maduro, the nation remains deeply divided, grappling with both political turmoil and economic hardship. The international community continues to watch closely as the country’s future hangs in the balance.