Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third term on Friday, defying international calls for him to step down and continuing to hold power amid an ongoing election dispute. Maduro, in office since 2013, was declared the winner of July’s election by the country’s electoral authority and top court. However, the results have been met with skepticism, as detailed vote tallies have not been published, and many believe the election was neither free nor fair.
Maduro took the oath of office at the national assembly in Caracas, invoking historical figures such as sixteenth-century Indigenous leader Guaicaipuro and his late mentor, President Hugo Chávez. He vowed to create a period of peace, prosperity, and equality while promising to uphold Venezuela’s laws. “I swear on history, on my life, and I will fulfill my mandate,” Maduro declared.
Opposition of Venezuela continues saying that Maduro stole the election despite him claiming a landslide victory. In fact, the unofficial count they say has made Edmundo González the winner with an overwhelming margin of victory. Several countries, including the United States, have already acknowledged González as Venezuela’s elected president. However, he went to Spain last September, and it remains unknown whether he is coming back or not. González said he is returning to this country and becomes the president with no specific idea on what needs to be prepared.
On the other hand, the government claims opposition leaders are trying to overthrow the state. Both González and his partner, María Corina Machado, who has been in hiding, face conspiracy charges. A public arrest warrant was issued against González by the government with a $100,000 reward for any information that would lead to his arrest. Machado, who had appeared in public and was very vocal against Maduro, was arrested last week and detained briefly.
International observers continue to be critical of Maduro’s hold on power as Venezuela’s political crisis continues.
