A large number of Venezuelan opposition protesters demonstrate prior to Maduro's third swearing-in ceremony.

• On Thursday, Venezuelan opposition parties and their supporters demonstrated nationwide in a last-minute attempt to exert pressure on President Nicolás Maduro, who is set to be inaugurated for his third six-year term on Friday.
• Venezuela's most popular opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, made her first public appearance since August, emerging from an unknown hiding location.
• Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, 62, has been in power since 2013.

On Thursday, Venezuelan opposition parties and their supporters, including Maria Corina Machado, who had been in hiding, staged protests across the country in a last-minute attempt to pressure President Nicolás Maduro, one day before he is scheduled to be sworn in for his third six-year term.

The electoral authority and top court of the country have declared that Maduro, who has faced a severe economic and social crisis during his time in office, won the July election, despite not releasing detailed tallies.

Gonzalez, 75, won in a landslide, according to the opposition. They have published their own vote tallies as evidence, and have gained support from governments worldwide, including the United States, who consider Gonzalez the president-elect.

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Since August, she had been in hiding at an unknown location and her appearance marked her first public outing.

Gonzalez's victory was urged by Machado, 57, who encouraged protesters to peacefully flood the streets and repeatedly requested the police and military, who guarded polling stations during the election, to support his candidacy.

Neglis Payares, a 70-year-old retired central bank worker, said she had lost her fear a long time ago as she gathered with other opposition supporters in western Caracas in the morning.

She gestured towards the security forces near the protest and said, "We don't know how many of them are on our side."

Since 2013, Maduro, 62, has been in power and has the backing of leaders in the armed forces and intelligence services, which are run by allies of powerful Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.

"On Monday, Cabello stated on state television that she believes nothing will occur, but that does not mean they will relax their vigilance."

"A limited military rebellion would pose significant risks, reducing incentives to participate," said BancTrust, a London investment bank, in a note.

'WE HAVE NO WORK'

Security forces set up checkpoints around the country.

In Maracaibo, an opposition protest of dozens of people was quickly dispersed by motorcycle-mounted security forces by late morning. In Valencia, protesters gathered at another location after initially being met with tear gas.

In addition to opposition supporters, individuals gathered in San Cristobal, near the border with Colombia, in the western city of Barquisimeto, and in eastern Puerto Ordaz.

"Roisa Gomez, a 62-year-old housewife, stated at a protest in Maracay that she is present because the government needs to be removed. She explained that her family has no money and no work, and she is fighting for her vote, which she cast for Edmundo Gonzalez. She added that they cannot allow the election to be stolen."

Soon afterward, security forces used tear gas to disperse the Maracay protesters.

Over 7 million Venezuelans reside outside the country, and many of them are of retirement age, with a desire for change so that their migrant offspring and grandchildren can return home.

State television broadcasted images of rival marches held by the ruling party across the country.

Manual Rincon, a 50-year-old motorcycle taxi driver from Caracas, stated that they are demonstrating to prove that there is democracy. On one side are patriots who will be sworn in with Nicolas (Maduro), while on the other side are fascists who seek foreign intervention, war, and to sell their country.

Gonzalez, who has been on a tour of the Americas this week and met with U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump's national security advisor, has repeatedly pledged to return to Venezuela but given no details about how.

At least two cases are being investigated against Machado by the attorney general, but no warrant for her has been made public.

Over 1,500 individuals, including teenagers, have been released from detention by the attorney general's office this week, following the government's arrest of several high-profile politicians and activists, including a former presidential candidate.

Demonstrators gathered in Madrid, including Carolina Gonzalez, the daughter of a Venezuelan living abroad, to protest against the government of Venezuela.

"All of you are receiving a hug from my dad, and I salute the courageous individuals of Venezuela," she said, her voice cracking.