Bolivia to hold presidential runoff election between centrist and right-wing candidates.

Bolivia is poised for a presidential run-off election featuring centrist candidate Rodrigo Paz and former interim President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, marking a significant political shift in the South American nation. This development signals the conclusion of two decades of governance under the Movement for Socialism (MAS), as confirmed by the country’s electoral council.

Initial results from Sunday’s election indicate that Rodrigo Paz, representing the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), has secured 32.8 percent of the votes with more than 91 percent of ballots counted. Quiroga, of the Alianza Libre coalition, follows closely with 26.4 percent. As neither candidate achieved the necessary majority—50 percent of the vote or 40 percent with a ten-point advantage—this will necessitate a run-off on October 19, 2023.

Lucia Newman, Al Jazeera’s Latin America editor, reported from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, highlighting the significant shift away from MAS, which has shaped Bolivia’s political landscape since 2005. The rise of Paz, previously ranked lower in pre-election polling, reflects a dynamically changing voter sentiment in a complex political environment. His political stance is perceived as more centrist compared to that of his father, former leftist President Jaime Paz.

The election featured a diverse slate of candidates, encompassing a wide political spectrum from far-right to leftist positions. Pre-election forecasts had suggested that Samuel Doria Medina, a businessman and former minister, was among the frontrunners; however, his candidacy did not materialize as anticipated, further complicating the election landscape.

Evo Morales, a key figure in MAS, faced restrictions barring him from running, while current President Luis Arce, having experienced a rift with Morales, also opted out of the race. The fragmentation of the left-leaning coalition, coupled with the nation’s deepening economic crisis, has created a challenging environment for MAS’s return to power, leading many observers to predict a transition towards a more centrist or right-leaning administration.

Further official results are anticipated within a week, with voters not only selecting the president but also all 26 senators and 130 deputies, who are set to assume office on November 8.

Bolivia has been grappling with significant economic challenges, characterized by an inflation rate nearing 25 percent and critical shortages of essential goods, including fuel and food. These issues prompted widespread protests in the lead-up to the election, reflecting public frustration with rising costs and scarcity.

Historically, Bolivia experienced robust economic growth and significant advancements for Indigenous communities under Morales’s leadership, which included the nationalization of key sectors and substantial investments in social welfare. However, declining gas revenues and the underdevelopment of lithium resources have precipitated the current crisis, underscoring the urgent need for effective governance moving forward.

These elections could set the stage for a new chapter in Bolivian politics, one marked by potential reforms and renewed focus on economic resilience. #PoliticsNews #WorldNews