Statement on the award of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado

International IDEA celebrates the decision of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan democracy champion Maria Corina Machado. Her inclusive leadership of a peaceful and democratic alternative to Venezuela’s vile autocracy is an inspiration to people across Latin America and globally.
Today’s award is also a timely recognition of the essential relationship between democracy and peace, as reflected in the statement by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee Chairman that “democracy is a pre-condition for lasting peace … the tools of democracy are also tools for peace.” International IDEA is proud to work with our 35 Member States and other partners around the world to develop, use and share these tools of democracy.
In accordance with International IDEA’s mandate to support democracy globally, the Institute has stood and spoken strongly alongside the Venezuelan people in their demands for democracy, transparency, and accountability. Following the elections of July 2024, International IDEA called for countries to withhold official recognition of the result pending independent verification—something the regime still refuses to allow. International IDEA continues to urge the Venezuelan government to guarantee the right of its citizens to free and fair elections, peaceful assembly and protest, and a democratic future.