Venezuela Elections 2024: Who is María Corina Machado? Driving force behind main opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez

Maria Corina Machado is not the opposition candidate against President Nicolas Maduro as the oil-rich Latin American country Venezuela is going to polls, but the incumbent president targets her in almost every election rally he addresses. The 56-year-old lady would not be the president if the opposition won the poll, but she has emerged as the biggest hope for the opposition. A little-known former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez has been pitched against the powerful socialist leader. Within a few months, Machado has succeeded in building a powerful social movement that has attracted thousands of people from among the masses.

Why is Machado not contesting against Nicolas Maduro?

Maduro administration barred Maria Corina Machado from contesting elections due to alleged financial irregularities that occurred when she was a national legislator. A high court in this South American country upheld the government decision in January this year. Later, the administration allowed Machado to nominate a candidate in her place.

Machado gameplan for proxy rule

She chose the former diplomat to take on the incumbent socialist president. It is believed that Machado selected the unknown and nonpolitical diplomat for the highest office so that she could keep the real power in her hands and rule by proxy if he won the polls.


Machado is the eldest of four daughters, she attended an elite Catholic girls’ school in the capital Caracas and a boarding school in Wellesley. In an interview with 'The New York Times' in 2005, she called her youth “a childhood protected from contact with reality.”

Margaret Thatcher inspires Machado

If media reports are to be believed, Machado draws lessons from former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, known for her love for free market economy and undeterred capitalism. This is in contrast to the socialism-influenced economy, developed by Hugo Chavez, Maduro’s mentor and the founder of Venezuela’s 25-year-old socialist project.

FAQs

Who is Maria Corina Machado?
Maria Corina Machado is the main force that has built a strong opposition party in Venezuela to take on the ruling socialist party and President Nicolas Maduro.

Why is Maria Corina Machado not contesting the presidential poll in Venezuela?
Maduro administration barred Maria Corina Machado from contesting elections due to alleged financial irregularities that occurred when she was a national legislator. A high court in this South American country upheld the government decision in January this year. Later, the administration allowed Machado to nominate a candidate in her place.