On Thursday, Venezuelan opposition groups and supporters, including Machado who had been in hiding, staged nationwide protests to pressure President Nicolás Maduro before his upcoming third-term inauguration.

A dispute over last year’s presidential election, which both the opposition and the ruling party claim to have won, continues.

Maduro’s victory in July’s election is declared by the country’s electoral authority and supreme court, although detailed vote counts remain unpublished. His presidency has been marked by severe economic and social crisis.

The government, accusing the opposition of plotting against it, has threatened to arrest opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez upon his return and has already detained several prominent opposition figures and activists.

The opposition asserts Gonzalez, 75, won the election by a landslide, providing its own vote tallies as proof. This claim has garnered international support, including from the United States, which recognizes Gonzalez as the president-elect.

Machado, a leading opposition figure barred from the 2024 election, participated in a Caracas protest around 2:20 p.m. local time (18:20 GMT), waving a Venezuelan flag from a truck.

“They lost control of the streets, which belong to us; they are barricaded in Miraflores (presidential palace),” Machado addressed the crowd. “We’ve entered a new phase.”

This marked her first public appearance since going into hiding in August.

Machado urged peaceful protests and appealed to police and military personnel, who secured polling stations during the election, to support Gonzalez’s victory.

“I’m not afraid; I lost my fear a long time ago,” stated 70-year-old Neglis Payares, a retired central bank employee, at a western Caracas protest.

“We don’t know how many of them support us,” she added, referring to nearby security forces.

Reuters observed approximately 7,000 protesters in Caracas by 2:20 p.m. local time. Thousands also demonstrated in the days following the election.

Maduro has held power since 2013, enjoying strong backing from the armed forces and intelligence services, led by allies of powerful Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.

“I’m convinced nothing will happen,” Cabello stated on state television on Monday. “But that doesn’t mean we’ll let our guard down.”

According to BancTrust, a London investment bank, the military’s financial interests make defections unlikely. “A limited military rebellion would entail significant risks, thus diminishing incentives to participate,” their note stated.

Security checkpoints were established nationwide.

In Maracaibo, a small opposition protest was quickly dispersed by security forces. In Valencia, protesters relocated after initial tear gas deployment.

Opposition supporters also gathered in San Cristobal, Barquisimeto, and Puerto Ordaz.

“I’m here because we need to remove this government. We have no money, no jobs,” explained 62-year-old housewife Roisa Gomez at a Maracay protest. “I’m fighting for my vote, cast for Edmundo Gonzalez. They can’t steal the election.”

Security forces subsequently dispersed the Maracay protesters using tear gas.

Many older demonstrators sought change to enable their children and grandchildren, many of whom have emigrated, to return. More than have left the country.

The ruling party organized counter-protests, broadcast on state television.

“We’ve come out to show there’s democracy. On this side are patriots supporting Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration; on the other are fascists seeking foreign intervention and war, wanting to sell our country,” said 50-year-old Caracas motorcycle taxi driver Manual Rincon.

Gonzalez, who has toured the Americas this week, meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump’s national security advisor, has promised to return to Venezuela but offered no specifics.

An arrest warrant was issued for Gonzalez for alleged conspiracy, leading to his September departure for Spain.

Machado faces investigation by the attorney general in at least two cases, but no public warrant has been issued.

The government has detained numerous high-profile politicians and activists, including a former presidential candidate. This week, the attorney general’s office reported releasing over 1,500 of the 2,000 people, including teenagers, detained during post-election protests.

Protests were also held by Venezuelans abroad, including in Madrid, where Gonzalez’s daughter, Carolina Gonzalez, addressed hundreds of demonstrators.

“My dad sends his love to all of you, glory to the brave people of Venezuela,” she said emotionally.