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Key Points

Bolivia's political landscape shifts as centrist Rodrigo Paz and conservative Jorge Quiroga advance to a presidential runoff, ending the socialist MAS party's two-decade rule. The election unfolded amid severe economic turmoil, with inflation and fuel shortages fueling public frustration. Analysts highlight Paz's unexpected rise from low polling numbers as a key surprise. The outcome reflects Bolivia's struggle to balance resource nationalism with economic stability after years of Morales-era prosperity.

Key Points: Bolivia's MAS Era Ends as Centrist Paz Faces Quiroga in Runoff

  • Centrist Rodrigo Paz leads with 32.8% in Bolivia's fractured election
  • Conservative Quiroga trails at 26.4%, forcing an October runoff
  • MAS party exits power after 20 years of socialist governance
  • Economic crisis with 25% inflation and fuel shortages shaped voter discontent
3 min read

Bolivia heads to presidential run-off as MAS ends two-decade rule

Bolivia's presidential runoff pits centrist Rodrigo Paz against conservative Jorge Quiroga, marking the end of MAS's 20-year socialist rule amid economic crisis.

"The biggest surprise is that the frontrunner is somebody who was polling fourth or fifth until now – Lucia Newman, Al Jazeera"

La Paz, August 18

Bolivia is heading to a presidential run-off between a Centrist and Right-wing candidate, marking the end of nearly two decades of government by the Movement for Socialism (MAS), the country's electoral council said.

With more than 91 per cent of ballots counted on Sunday night, preliminary results showed centrist Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) leading with 32.8 per cent of the vote. Conservative former interim President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, of the Alianza Libre coalition, trailed in second place with 26.4 per cent, meaning he will face Paz in a run-off on October 19. Candidates needed to surpass 50 per cent, or 40 per cent with a 10-point margin, to avoid a run-off.

Al Jazeera's Latin America editor Lucia Newman, reporting from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, said the early results confirmed that MAS, which has governed Bolivia since 2005, is "out of the picture".

Newman added that the "biggest surprise" is "that the frontrunner is none other than somebody who was polling between fourth and fifth place up until now". She also noted that Paz is "more to the centre" than his father, former President Jaime Paz.

Eight presidential candidates were in the running, spanning the far-right to the political left. Pre-election polls had suggested Samuel Doria Medina, a wealthy businessman and former planning minister, as one of two frontrunners alongside Quiroga. Former leftist President Evo Morales was barred from running, and outgoing socialist President Luis Arce, who had fallen out with Morales, opted out of the race, Al Jazeera reported.

The division within the leftist coalition, coupled with Bolivia's deep economic crisis, meant few expected MAS to return to power. Official results are expected within seven days. Voters will also elect all 26 senators and 130 deputies, with officials assuming office on November 8.

Bolivia is experiencing its worst economic crisis in a generation, with annual inflation of almost 25 percent and critical shortages of US dollars and fuel. Citizens have protested long queues for fuel, bread, and other essentials ahead of the election, Al Jazeera reported.

Under Morales, Bolivia enjoyed over a decade of strong growth and Indigenous upliftment, with gas sector nationalisation funding social programmes that halved extreme poverty between 2006 and 2019. However, gas revenues have dropped from $6.1bn in 2013 to $1.6bn last year due to a lack of new projects. With lithium still largely unexploited, the government faces a shortage of foreign exchange needed to import fuel, wheat, and other foodstuffs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The rise of a centrist candidate from nowhere is fascinating 🤔 Shows how unpredictable politics can be! In India too we've seen dark horses emerge during elections. Wondering if Bolivia's lithium reserves will play a role in their recovery.
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Aman W
While the article focuses on politics, the real story is Bolivia's economic collapse. 25% inflation is brutal for common people. Makes me appreciate India's relative economic stability despite global challenges.
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Sarah B
The article could have explored more about how indigenous communities feel about this political change. Under Morales, they saw significant progress. Hope their rights aren't sidelined in this new political equation.
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Karthik V
Bolivia's situation shows the danger of over-reliance on single commodities. First gas, now hoping for lithium - reminds me of how India is diversifying its energy sources. Smart move!
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Nisha Z
The queues for basic necessities break my heart 💔 No matter the political system, when people can't get food and fuel, change becomes inevitable. Hope the new leadership delivers better governance.

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