María Corina Machado: A Visionary, Authentic and Resilient Leader Fighting for Venezuela’s Freedom

Machado in a rally in San Cristóbal, Venezuela, on June 28, 2024. Source: GABY ORAA (REUTERS)

Like millions of my fellow Venezuelans, I have been inspired by the leadership of María Corina Machado. She stands today as a powerhouse in Venezuelan politics, epitomizing vision, authenticity, and resilience in her leadership. As the head of the opposition, she is the most popular political figure in Venezuela since Hugo Chávez, whose party has ruled Venezuela since 1999. Although she is positioned center-right on the political spectrum, her policies align more closely with the Democrats in the United States than the Republicans. She advocates for the separation of church and state, supports gay marriage, and has called for a national debate on the legalization of abortion.

Machado has consolidated herself as the leader of the Venezuelan opposition after winning the primaries last year with over 93% of the votes. She has successfully established an emotional connection with ordinary Venezuelans by presenting herself as the mother of the nation who will reunite Venezuelan families. More than 7.5 million Venezuelans have left the country during Maduro’s tenure, tearing families apart. Also, she often talks about her campaign as an “spiritual fight” between good and evil. People see her as the savior who will end 25 years of corruption, mismanagement, and authoritarianism under Nicolás Maduro.

Sunday’s Presidential Election

On Sunday, July 28, 2024, Venezuela will hold its most consequential presidential election in recent history. It could mark the end of 25 years of Chavismo. Although Machado has been prohibited by the government from running, she is represented by Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a retired diplomat. While he is the candidate, she is undeniably the leader.

But the situation is complex: on one side are the people, desperate to end Chavismo, with polls showing the opposition leading by 30 to 40 points. On the other side are Maduro and his government, determined to cling to power. Maduro has ominously warned of a bloodbath if he loses.

The fate of the country rests with the people and the support of the Venezuelan military. If the military aligns with Maduro, the dictatorship will continue. However, if they uphold the Constitution and protect the will of the people, Venezuela has a chance to restore its democracy under Machado’s leadership.

How María Corina Machado Captured the Hearts of the Venezuelan People

Machado’s rise as the most prominent leader in Venezuela has been shaped by various factors. Her ascent has first and foremost been fueled by people’s disillusionment with Maduro’s government, marked by sharp economic decline, rampant corruption, and the unprecedented exodus of citizens. However, three distinctive elements of her leadership have allowed her to establish a profound emotional connection with the people. These elements provide invaluable lessons for any leader aiming to connect deeply with their followers:

1. Vision: Maria Corina Machado’s vision is straightforward: a free Venezuela. This clarity of purpose guides her actions and decisions, providing a beacon of hope for her followers. Over the years, she has consistently fought for freedom, democracy, and human rights. For example, she began her public career in 2001 by co-founding Súmate, a non-governmental organization focused on promoting electoral transparency and citizen participation. She later became a representative in Congress. Her unwavering message of promoting freedom, democracy, and human rights has earned her the trust of Venezuelans seeking hope.
2. Authenticity: Machado’s authenticity is rooted in aligning her values and beliefs with her words and actions. She remains true to herself whether speaking to heads of state or ordinary citizens. She adapts her style and language as needed, but her core principles, values, and beliefs remain constant. This authenticity has stayed the same over the years. There’s a famous 2012 incident that was captured on video where she tells Hugo Chávez to his face in the National Assambly that his expropriation policies are equivalent to stealing (“expropiar es robar”). Her beliefs have not changed.
3. Resilience: Maria Corina often speaks about resilience, noting that Venezuelans are stronger today because of the hardships they have faced. Her resilience is evident in her ability to persevere through adversity. She has faced physical and verbal attacks for years and is often called the iron woman of Venezuela. During this year’s campaign, we have seen her surmounting all the obstacles Maduro’s government has put in place to prevent her from campaigning all over the country. She is not allowed to take planes, so she travels by land. They often close roads to block her, but she finds alternative ways to reach her destinations. She has been in canoes, climbing mountains, and even riding donkeys to get to her rallies.

Maria Corina Machado’s leadership offers valuable lessons for leaders worldwide. Her clear vision, authenticity, and resilience have not only made her a beacon of hope for Venezuelans but also serve as a model for effective leadership. Leaders can learn from her unwavering commitment to her values, her ability to connect authentically with people, and her perseverance in the face of adversity.

Whether or not the will of the majority of Venezuelans is respected in Sunday’s election, Machado’s example stands as a testament to the power of vision, authenticity, and resilience to inspire people to achieve a common goal — freedom from the dictatorship.

Note

You can find below a video I made on María Corina Machado’s leadership.