The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 is awarded to a brave and committed champion of peace – a woman who keeps the flame of democracy alive amid growing darkness. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to honor Maria Corina Machado for her tireless efforts in promoting democratic rights in Venezuela and her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.

As the leader of Venezuela’s democracy movement, Maria Corina Machado is one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times. She has been a unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided – bringing together forces demanding free elections and representative government. At the heart of democracy is this shared commitment to defend popular rule, even in disagreement, and Ms. Machado exemplifies it.

Venezuela has shifted from a relatively democratic and prosperous country to an authoritarian state facing a severe humanitarian and economic crisis. Most citizens live in deep poverty while a few at the top prosper. The violent machinery of the state targets its own people, and nearly 8 million have fled the country. Opposition voices have been systematically suppressed through election manipulation, legal persecution, and imprisonment.

As a founder of Súmate, an organization devoted to democratic development, Ms. Machado stood for free and fair elections over 20 years ago, famously choosing “ballots over bullets.” She has consistently advocated for judicial independence, human rights, and popular representation, dedicating years to the freedom of the Venezuelan people.

Ahead of the 2024 election, Ms. Machado was initially the opposition’s presidential candidate, but her candidacy was blocked by the regime. She later supported another candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of volunteers across political divides. These volunteers acted as election observers to ensure transparency, risking harassment, arrest, and torture to safeguard the voting process.

Despite international support and clear evidence of opposition victory, the regime refused to accept the election results. Ms. Machado’s courageous and peaceful efforts embody democracy as a path to lasting peace.

In a world where democracy is under threat, authoritarian regimes misuse power, silence the media, imprison critics, and militarize societies. Ms. Machado stands as a testament that peaceful resistance can bring hope and change. Even while forced into hiding and under life-threatening circumstances, she remains in Venezuela, inspiring millions.

Maria Corina Machado fully embodies Alfred Nobel’s criteria for the Peace Prize. She has united her country’s opposition, resisted the militarization of society, and steadfastly supported a peaceful transition to democracy. Through her work, she demonstrates that the tools of democracy are also tools of peace, envisioning a future where citizens’ fundamental rights are respected and their voices heard.