Bolivia is gearing up for a historic presidential run-off election. For the first time in nearly two decades, two right-wing candidates will face off, signifying the end of the leftist Movimiento al Socialismo’s (Mas) long hold on power.
The surprising front-runner is 57-year-old senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira, who garnered 32.1% of the preliminary votes. He started the campaign with only 3% support in polls. Following closely is Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, a former president, with 26.9%. This election marks a significant shift in Bolivian politics, as the left, led by the now-unpopular president Luis Arce, has lost its grip.
Paz Pereira, the son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora, expressed gratitude to his supporters. He emphasized the campaign’s focus on fighting corruption, a promising message that resonated with voters tired of political scandals. His running mate, Edman Lara Montaño, a former police captain known for exposing misconduct, played a crucial role in attracting voters.
Both candidates recognize the challenges ahead, especially the economic crisis marked by rising inflation and shortages of basic goods. The run-off will take place on October 19, as neither candidate received more than 50% of the votes required to win outright.
Interestingly, 19.1% of the votes were declared null, a notable increase from past elections, where it typically hovered below 5%. This rise in invalid votes could reflect voter frustration, possibly fueled by former president Evo Morales urging supporters to protest the election process.
In a surprising twist, business leader Samuel Doria Medina, who led in early polling, came in third with just under 20% and announced his support for Paz Pereira in the run-off. Analysts believe that the lack of direct attacks on Paz Pereira during the campaign may have helped him attract undecided voters.
The leftist candidate, Andrónico Rodríguez, who split from Mas, finished fourth with over 8%, highlighting the weakening of the left’s influence. The electoral court reported that the recent elections went smoothly, monitored by more than 2,500 observers, including those from the European Union and the Organization of American States.
One noteworthy aspect of this election is how it reflects a growing desire for change among the electorate. With economic conditions worsening for many Bolivians, both candidates will need to address the pressing issues of corruption and economic stability to galvanize voter support.
As we approach the run-off, all eyes will be on how these candidates shape their campaigns and respond to the pressing needs of the populace. For more detailed information about the candidates and the political climate in Bolivia, you can read this Guardian article.
