Caracas, Venezuela — Pro-Chavéz leader Nicolás Maduro was sworn in on Friday as President of Venezuela for the 2025-2031 term by the National Assembly, which is controlled by the ruling party. The inauguration has deepened the ongoing political crisis, as the opposition claims that Edmundo González Urrutia was the legitimate winner of the presidential elections held last July.
Maduro’s Oath and Promises
During the swearing-in ceremony, Maduro took an oath on the original 1999 constitution, signed by the late President Hugo Chávez and approved by referendum. Addressing the assembly, he pledged a new era for the country:
“I swear before the historic, noble, and brave people of Venezuela and before this constitution that I will fulfill all its mandates. I inaugurate a new period of peace, prosperity, and new democracy,” Maduro stated.
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The ceremony was presided over by Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly, and attended by prominent figures, including Attorney General Tarek William Saab, Supreme Tribunal of Justice President Caryslia Rodríguez, National Electoral Council (CNE) President Elvis Amoroso, and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López. Maduro was joined by his wife, Cilia Flores, and senior officials Delcy Rodríguez and Diosdado Cabello.
Disputed Election Results
Maduro was declared the winner of the July 28 presidential elections by the CNE. However, the council has yet to publish the detailed election results as previously promised, raising suspicions and fueling opposition claims of electoral fraud.
Opposition leaders have accused the ruling party of manipulating the election outcome, insisting that Edmundo González Urrutia secured a legitimate victory. Critics argue that the lack of transparency from the CNE and its failure to release comprehensive results undermines the credibility of the electoral process.
Loyalty of the Armed Forces
Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino López has repeatedly declared the loyalty of the armed forces to Maduro’s leadership, further consolidating his grip on power. This allegiance from the military has been a crucial pillar of support for Maduro amid growing domestic and international criticism.
International and Domestic Reactions
Maduro’s inauguration has intensified divisions within Venezuela and drawn sharp criticism from the international community. While his supporters view his third term as a continuation of Chávez’s socialist vision, opposition groups and foreign observers see it as a blow to democracy.
The absence of detailed election results has added to the controversy, with calls from global watchdogs for transparency and accountability. International reactions remain mixed, with some countries recognizing Maduro’s leadership and others withholding recognition, citing concerns about the fairness of the elections.
What Lies Ahead?
As Nicolás Maduro embarks on his third term, Venezuela faces critical challenges, including a deep economic crisis, widespread poverty, and political unrest. The opposition’s allegations of electoral fraud and the lack of trust in democratic institutions continue to polarize the nation.
Observers now await the CNE’s publication of the detailed election results, which could either validate or further delegitimize Maduro’s presidency. Meanwhile, the opposition, led by González Urrutia, is expected to intensify its efforts to challenge Maduro’s rule, setting the stage for further political strife in the years ahead.
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