CARACAS (AFP) – Opponents of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro took to the streets yesterday, in a last-ditch bid to prevent him from being sworn in for a highly controversial third term as president.
After a July election that many believe was stolen, beleaguered opposition leaders have pledged to come out of hiding and exile to lead mass protests and prevent the investiture from going ahead.
Duelling pro and anti-government demonstrations took place in Caracas, and how they unfold will help decide the future of Venezuela’s nearly 30 million citizens. Maduro leads a populist left-wing government – once headed by the late Hugo Chavez – that has ruled Venezuela a quarter century.
Despite a sustained economic crisis that has seen seven million citizens leave the country, the regime shows no intention of relinquishing power.
On the eve of the protests, the presidential palace was already flanked by scores of heavily armed security forces.
Ruling party loyalists have also taken to the streets in a blunt warning to their opponents.
Pro-government militiamen have paraded in Caracas brandishing assault rifles and on Wednesday, about 3,000 pro-Maduro bikers roared around the capital horns blaring.
“On your knees, gentlemen. The iron horses with Nicolas Maduro!” one biker in jeans and sunglasses shouted as he punched the air with his fist.
Meanwhile opposition parties and NGOs reported a fresh wave of arrests, including Enrique Marquez, a press freedom activist and a politician who ran against Maduro.
Late Wednesday Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, accused Marquez of being involved in a “coup” attempt against Maduro.
Across Caracas and the country, there are fears that the protests will bring another bloody crackdown and yet more political turmoil.
“The uncertainty persists, as we remain in the same situation, without faith or hope” said Gladis Blanco, just one of the many Venezuelans who crossed the border into Colombia on Wednesday to stock up on provisions or flee.
The opposition has called for “millions” of Venezuelans to demonstrate in support of its exiled presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, whom the United States (US) and several Latin American countries have recognised as the legitimate election winner.
Venezuela-based opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has been in hiding since the election, has vowed to join the protests.
