For the first time, two candidates on the right will compete in the second electoral round in the country, ending 20 years of hegemony of the left of Evo Morales. The current president promises “democratic transition”. The first round of the presidential elections in Bolivia, held on Sunday (18/08), marked the end of two decades of hegemony of the left in the country and brought two right -wing candidates for the first time to the second round: Senator Rodrigo Paz and former president Jorge Quiroga, both opponents of the current government.
Peace, from the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), surprised and reached 32.1% of the votes with 92% of the electoral reports calculated, according to the preliminary count of the Bolivia Superior Electoral Court. Quiroga, from the book coalition, obtained 26.8% of the votes. The second unprecedented round between two acronyms right is scheduled for October 19th.
The two candidates knew how to capitalize on the discontent of the electorate with the movement towards socialism (but), responsible for the serious economic crisis that lived in the country under the presidency of Luis Arce.
Arce has decided not to compete in the re -election in the midst of a deficiency of fuel deficiencies and basic products, as well as an annual inflation of almost 25%, the largest in 17 years. By voting on Sunday, the president promised to perform a “democratic transition” to the winner.
The second round of the opponents will confirm the end of the 20 years of domination of the former party of the former president Evo Morales during the polls. The acronym candidate, Eduardo Del Castillo, obtained 3.16% of the votes.
Peace promises “capitalism for everyone”
The senator considered from the center of the right, Paz emerged in the first place despite no research on the survey to put it in the top positions. Born in Spain and with a long political trajectory, he exceeded the favorite of the research, Samuel Doria Medina of the ALIZIANS UNIDAD party, which obtained only 19.85% of the votes.
“I want to congratulate the Bolivian people because I said: ‘I want to change, and this is a sign of change’,” said peace to Sunday supporters. The senator was also deputy and mayor before launching himself to the presidency.
His government plan focuses on a proposal for “capitalism for all” provides for a universal salary for women, cutting what he calls “superfluous expenditure” of the state and the fight against corruption.
It also promises the inclusion of the middle and low classes in economic life, with facilitated access to credit, for free import and tax reform to encourage the national industry.
Quiroga Mirou Old Ally in a combative campaign
Quiroga, an engineer and former employee of the multinational IBM, has strengthened his promise to stabilize the economy, “stop the crisis, recover trust and crush inflation”.
“The crisis will not decrease. Worst, it will become more difficult. He promises to open the markets and make free trade agreements with China, Japan and Europe.
Months ago, he was still part of an opposition block together with Doria Medina, who had committed himself to launching a single presidential candidate. However, for disagreements in the choice of the postulant, he decided to retire.
Despite having presented similar proposals, the finalists’ campaign was different. While Paz made a more discreet campaign, Quiroga, who was in second place in the polls, had several clashes with Doria Medina, his direct rival.
Morales asks for the null vote
Peace and chir argue that Evo Morales explains the court. The first indigenous president of Bolivia, which he ruled between 2006 and 2019, Morales tried to compete in these elections, but prohibited his candidacy from the court. He is studied for the rape presumably of a teenager during his mandate, denies.
In 2019, Morales had performed a third term, considered unconstitutional in Bolivia. He won a contested vote, full of accusations of fraud and skepticism by the international community. This triggered mass protests that caused 36 deaths and led Morales to the resignation and escape of the country.
Arce, the successor chosen by Morales, won the elections in 2020. Morales returned to the country after the exile in Mexico and Argentina, but in conflict with the Bolivian president and the ancient ally.
In 2024, after disputes on the internal party and a frustrated attempt called military coup, Morales decidedly broke with Arce, which imploded the Mas alliance. Since October, the former president took refuge in a small village in the center of Bolivia, where supporters protect him to avoid his arrest. Deconnesso from the party, he made a campaign by voting vote and said that the current elections do not have legitimacy.
Boliviani’s 7.9 million who went to the polls on Sunday also voted to renew the congress, consisting of 166 members. The results indicate that the future president will have to face a parliament on the right, but internally fragmented and without majority benches.
Gq/cn (afp, efe)
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
