Police were out in force in Venezuela 's capital Thursday ahead of what the opposition hoped would be major protests against Friday's swearing-in of President Nicolás Maduro for a third term following a disputed election.

To date, various countries around the world have recognized González as the president legitimately elected by all Venezuelans.

Opponents of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro will take to the streets Thursday, in a last-ditch bid to prevent him from being sworn in for a highly controversial third term as president.Ruling party loyalists have also taken to the streets in a blunt warning to their opponents.