Venezuelan Opposition Rallies Ahead of Maduro's Potential Inauguration Amid Uncertainty
Thousands of people opposed to the Chavista government have taken to the streets in Caracas, various cities across Venezuela, and in several countries including Spain, as tensions rise ahead of what is expected to be a contentious day full of uncertainties. With only 24 hours remaining until the possible inauguration of Nicolás Maduro, opposition candidate Edmundo González may also be making a return, causing further unrest. María Corina Machado, the main opposition leader who has been in hiding for 133 days, has motivated Venezuelans to express their discontent toward the current president following the controversial elections held on July 28.
Machado, in her clandestine communication from hiding, has urged her supporters to gather peacefully yet firmly, echoing the energetic spirit that marked election day. Despite the National Electoral Council's declaration of Maduro as the election winner, which came without official voting records, Machado continues to assert the legitimacy of González's victory. As uncertainty looms about her public appearance on this critical day, she has consistently fueled hope among her supporters through social media, striking a chord with many as they chant her name alongside that of Edmundo González.
In a tweet sent at 12:09 PM local time, she expressed her optimism, saying, 'We will see each other,' as she celebrated the success of the mobilizations taking place across Venezuela.
The protests have been marked by vocal dissent against Maduro and his regime, with significant gatherings occurring in key cities such as Mérida and Maracaibo. Venezuelan expatriates have also mobilized in Madrid and other major capitals worldwide, with thousands congregating at Madrid's iconic Puerta del Sol to demand justice. The Sant Jaume Square in Barcelona saw crowds of Venezuelans rallying in solidarity.
Although the overarching tone has featured a tense calm within Venezuela according to reports by EFE, the day has seen a troubling trend of arrests and detentions of protesters. In eastern Caracas, protestors have claimed that agents recorded their gatherings. In a troubling climate, the regime has reportedly initiated up to 16 arrests involving political leaders and activists — including the son-in-law of Edmundo González — in the days leading up to these mobilizations, as detailed by the UN mission.
Conversely, Chavismo has been preparing for what they anticipate will be Maduro's inauguration, spreading out hundreds of supporters across various locations and stages in Caracas. This strategic positioning aims to gather party militants as they brace for the events of the following day.
As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely to see the outcome of these protests and the implications for Venezuela's political future.
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