Background on Key Candidates
Bolivia is set to choose its next president in a runoff election between centrist senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira from the Democratic Christian Party (PDC) and former conservative president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, representing the Alianza Libre coalition. With over 90% of votes counted, Paz secured 32% and Quiroga followed closely with 27%, surpassing all pre-election predictions.
The Rise of Rodrigo Paz
Rodrigo Paz, 57, is the son of former president Rodrigo Paz Zamora (1989-1993). His unexpected victory in the first round, with 32% of votes, defied pre-election polls that had him at a mere 10% support. Quiroga, with 27%, placed second despite initial predictions favoring him and Samuel Doria Medina by more than 10 percentage points.
The Decline of Evo Morales’ Party
Eduardo del Castillo, the candidate from the ruling left-wing Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party, led by former president Evo Morales, placed sixth in the initial results. The election confirmed a backlash against MAS, which governed for 20 years under Morales and later Luis Arce.
Context of the Election
Bolivians cast their votes amidst a severe economic crisis, marked by shortages of dollars and fuel alongside an annual inflation rate nearing 25%, the highest in 17 years. The country, rich in natural gas and lithium resources, nearly exhausted its dollar reserves on fuel subsidies during Arce’s administration.
Candidates’ Campaign Promises
Both Paz and Quiroga pledged to bring change after two decades of MAS rule. Paz emphasized the need for stability, governance, and economic transformation that benefits the people rather than the state.
“Bolivia needs stability, governance, and a change in the economy that is not an economy for the state but for the people,” Paz stated after voting in Tarija.
Quiroga also committed to a peaceful and democratic transition, asserting that Bolivia would set an example for the world.
“Bolivia will be a model for the world, demonstrating peaceful and democratic change after 20 years of abuses,” Quiroga declared while voting.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the key candidates in Bolivia’s presidential election? Rodrigo Paz Pereira from the Democratic Christian Party (PDC) and Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga from the Alianza Libre coalition.
- Why is this election significant? It marks the end of 20 years of rule by the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party, with former president Evo Morales at its helm.
- What challenges does Bolivia face? The country is grappling with a severe economic crisis, including shortages of dollars and fuel, as well as high inflation.
- What are the candidates’ main campaign promises? Both Paz and Quiroga have pledged to bring stability, governance, and economic transformation that benefits the people.
