Magnitsky Awards
Winner’s Bio

María Corina Machado is a prominent Venezuelan opposition who has become a leading figure in the struggle for democracy in Venezuela.

Machado entered politics in 2002 as the co-founder and leader of Súmate, a Venezuelan election monitoring and citizens’ rights group. She later became the national coordinator of the political movement Vente Venezuela.

In recent years, Machado has faced significant challenges in her political career. She was barred from running in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election, despite winning the opposition primary with over 90% of the vote. The Venezuelan government disqualified her from holding office for 15 years. Despite these setbacks, Machado continued to campaign for the opposition candidate who replaced her.

The Magnitsky Campaign is awarding Machado with the Magnitsky prize for ‘Outstanding Opposition Politician’ in recognition of her tireless efforts fighting against the Venezuelan government in the face of severe political repression. In August 2024, Machado was forced into hiding, fearing for her life and freedom, as well as the safety of her fellow citizens. Despite these dangers, she has continued to advocate for free and fair elections in Venezuela and to challenge the legitimacy of the Maduro regime.

The Magnitsky Award highlights Machado’s role as an outstanding opposition politician who continues to inspire and lead Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement despite significant personal risk and political obstacles.