Harsh new phase for Venezuela as Maduro starts his third term

Venezuela's tumble into authoritarianism is poised to enter an even harsher new phase this week with Nicolás Maduro due to extend his 12-year rule despite widespread suspicions that he stole last year's presidential election.

- Tom Phillips

The man widely believed to have won that vote – the retired diplomat Edmundo González – fled abroad to escape a draconian post-election crackdown but has vowed to return home to challenge Maduro's planned inauguration today.

Maduro's feared interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, warned the 75-year-old he will be arrested if he tries. "Come! We're waiting for you!" he goaded González on Monday.

Cabello insisted the start of Maduro's third six-year term would not be derailed and he scotched suggestions the military would switch sides – something the opposition is urging it to do. "The barracks are calm," said Cabello, who has ordered a deployment of forces to quell dissent.

Observers say Maduro's expected inauguration – which the leaders of most democratic governments will boycott – represents a painful milestone in the slow collapse of one of South America's largest democracies.