Rodrigo Paz Pereira, a centre-right senator, has claimed victory in Bolivia’s presidential runoff, signaling a shift away from nearly two decades of leftist leadership under the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party. With over 97% of the ballots counted, he earned 54.6% of the votes, while former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga received 45.4%. The official results will be confirmed by the electoral court within a week.
In a speech to supporters, Paz Pereira emphasized the need to rebuild the economy, stating, “Ideology doesn’t put food on the table.” He highlighted goals like creating jobs and ensuring legal security for private property. He also mentioned the importance of strong ties with the United States, expressing a desire for a cooperative relationship starting from his inauguration on November 8.
Paz Pereira, son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora, has an extensive political background but campaigned as an outsider. His message resonated, especially in areas that used to be MAS strongholds. His party, the Partido Demócrata Cristiano, won a significant number of seats but lacks a majority in Congress, which presents challenges ahead.
His running mate, Edman Lara Montaño, has been a popular figure due to his anti-corruption stance, gaining attention on social media for exposing issues within the police force. Lara’s commitment to keep Paz Pereira accountable adds an intriguing dynamic to their partnership.
This election marks the first presidential runoff in Bolivia’s history, and notably, it is the first time since 2005 that MAS, having lost its popularity due to economic difficulties and internal conflicts, did not have a candidate on the ballot. The party’s decline is attributed to a devastating economic crisis characterized by soaring inflation and shortages of essentials. In fact, a recent report indicated that Bolivia is facing its worst economic challenges in 40 years, leading to significant public discontent.
Social media trends show mixed reactions among the populace. Many are celebrating the change in leadership, while others express concern over the future, particularly regarding economic stability.
Paz Pereira’s victory reflects a broader trend in Latin America where voters are swinging toward the right in response to poor economic conditions and governance issues. Political analysts will keenly observe how his administration tackles these challenges, particularly with public expectations running high for reforms that can remedy Bolivia’s ongoing turmoil.
For more detailed information on Bolivia’s political landscape, you can check The Guardian’s analysis.
