Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize

"She is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela, and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, awarding the prize on Friday at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo said. Machado ran as the democratic opposition candidate in Venezuela's 2024 presidential election but was disqualified by the government and went on to support the opposition's alternative candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia."

"Incumbent Nicolas Maduro won re-election that year with 51 percent of the vote his third win since he first took over as president in 2013 after the death of his mentor, former President Hugo Chavez. But the opposition said the results were rigged, claiming Maduro had only won 30 percent of the vote and that Gonzalez was the real victor."

Maria Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for tireless promotion of democratic rights and her struggle to achieve a just, peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. Machado ran as the democratic opposition candidate in Venezuela's 2024 presidential election but was disqualified and later supported the opposition's alternative candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. Incumbent Nicolas Maduro was declared re-elected with 51 percent amid opposition claims the vote was rigged, sparking protests that demanded polling-station results. Maduro's government responded with a brutal crackdown on protesters and opposition leaders. Norwegian Nobel Committee chair Jrgen Watne Frydnes praised Machado's decision to remain in her country despite serious threats and hiding, saying her choice inspired millions. The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was given to Nihon Hidankyo for its campaign to abolish nuclear weapons and preserve survivors' testimonies.

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