Nobel committee says Venezuela needs democratic change despite Maria Machado’s return

The Norwegian Nobel Committee said Tuesday (October 27, 2026) that a democratic transition was “still” necessary in Venezuela, after opposition leader and 2025 Nobel peace laureate Maria Corina Machado recently returned to the country.

“Much has changed in recent months, but the task remains urgent: Venezuela still requires a democratic transition founded on fundamental rights, political participation and free elections,” Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said in a statement.

The Norwegian committee awards the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize and last year gave the nod to Ms. Machado for her work promoting democratic rights and a “just and peaceful” transition in the South American nation.

Ms. Machado returned to her country on Sunday (October 25) after nearly a year in exile, drawing jubilant crowds in a direct challenge to interim president Delcy Rodriguez’s U.S.-backed government.

She left Venezuela last December to receive the Nobel Peace Prize after nearly a year in hiding, and has since made at least seven unsuccessful attempts to return, according to sources in her party.

President Nicolas Maduro was captured in a spectacular U.S. military operation in January. Rodriguez, his deputy, took over as interim leader with Washington’s blessing.

As U.S.-backed talks on a political transition took place, Machado had been forced to observe from exile in Panama.

“The committee expresses its hope that her return will strengthen the democratic opposition and its peaceful struggle for democracy,” Mr. Frydnes said.

Ms. Machado was unable to stand in the 2024 presidential election after she was declared ineligible. Maduro was declared winner of the election amid opposition claims of massive fraud.