CARACAS, Jan 6, (V7N) -Venezuela's opposition has urged citizens to take to the streets on January 9 in mass protests, one day before President Nicolás Maduro is set to begin a controversial third term following his disputed reelection.

Popular opposition leader María Corina Machado called for nationwide demonstrations in a video shared on social media, stating, “Freedom cannot be begged for... it must be conquered, it must be won.” She emphasized the protests would mark a turning point in Venezuela's fight for democracy.

The July 28 election remains highly contested. Venezuela's electoral authorities declared Maduro the winner but have not released detailed results. Opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, backed by Machado's party, has been recognized as president-elect by countries including the United States, Italy, and several Latin American nations.

The opposition claims that polling-site data shows González Urrutia winning by a significant margin. This has led to protests across the country, met with violent crackdowns that have resulted in at least 28 deaths and over 2,000 arrests.

González Urrutia, now in exile in Spain, is on an international tour garnering support for Venezuela's opposition. He is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., on January 8, following stops in Montevideo and Buenos Aires.

The 75-year-old former diplomat has vowed to return to Venezuela to be sworn in as president on January 10.

Machado, who has been in hiding since the election, has periodically appeared at protests in Caracas. She urged not only Venezuelans but also international supporters to participate in demonstrations on January 9.

“The world is watching,” Machado declared. “This is our moment to reclaim our future.”

The January 9 protests will test the strength of the opposition's resolve and the Maduro government’s response amid Venezuela's ongoing political and humanitarian crisis.

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