CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — President Nicolás Maduro is set to begin his third six-year term on Friday, with the ruling party-controlled congress hosting a swearing-in ceremony. This comes despite significant doubts about the legitimacy of last year’s election results. Maduro’s supporters are expected to demonstrate, but it remains unclear if those who voted for his main challenger, Edmundo González, will also protest. González, who claimed victory in the July 28 election, fled to Spain in September after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Maduro’s new term will allow him to continue policies that have ended scarcities and runaway inflation but have also eroded Venezuela’s democracy. González has stated his intention to be in Caracas on Friday, though he has not detailed how he plans to return or what his actions will be upon arrival.

Election Controversy: The doubts about the election stem from a lack of transparency. Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, filled with ruling-party loyalists, declared Maduro the winner shortly after polls closed but did not provide detailed vote counts, citing a website hack. The opposition, however, collected tally sheets from 80% of the voting machines and claimed that González won with twice as many votes as Maduro. Global condemnation led Maduro to request an audit from the high court, which reaffirmed his victory without thorough evidence. The U.S.-based Carter Center has validated the opposition’s tally sheets.

Demonstrations: The government often organizes demonstrations to show strength, and Maduro has called for supporters to take to the streets on Friday. However, the government’s post-election repression, including over 2,000 arrests, has had a chilling effect on opposition protests. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has urged supporters to demonstrate on Thursday to push Maduro out of office, despite being in hiding to avoid arrest.

Swearing-In Ceremony: Members of the National Assembly, ministers, and Maduro’s close allies are expected to attend the ceremony. The list of attending heads of state is likely small due to the post-election crisis isolating Maduro. Leaders from Colombia and Brazil, who have criticized the election’s lack of transparency, will send representatives instead of attending in person.

Maduro’s Next Term: While food shortages and hyperinflation have subsided, Venezuela’s crisis continues. The average Venezuelan faces a monthly minimum wage of less than $2, high food prices, irregular fuel supply, and poor public education. Meanwhile, those with ties to Maduro benefit from lucrative jobs and contracts. This inequality, contrary to the socialist promises of Maduro’s predecessor Hugo Chávez, is expected to widen as the government grapples with an oil-dependent economy plagued by limited production, corruption, sanctions, and lack of investment. Many Venezuelans have already emigrated in search of better living conditions.