The embattled president of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in for the third term after a disputed election.
Maduro’s swearing in defy international pressure and sanctions imposed on him by united states and other western countries.
His main challenger Edmundo Gonzalez claim voter fraud and declared himself victorious.
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The United states has recognized Gonzalez as winner of the 2024 July election.
“May this new presidential term be a period of peace, of prosperity, of equality and the new democracy,” Maduro said.
“I swear on history, on my life, and I will fulfil my mandate,” he added.
Maduro’s inauguration came a day after opposition leader Maria Corina Machado made a rare public appearance to lead a protest against his rule. Machado’s team said she was briefly detained during the demonstration.
“I am now in a safe place and with more determination than ever before to continue with you until the end,” Machado said in a social media post after her release.
Maduro, a former bus driver, rose to power after the death of left-wing leader Hugo Chavez in 2013.