Luis Arce gives up on running reelection in Bolivia

The president of Bolivia, Luis Arce (but, left), announced on Tuesday (13.mai.2025) that he gave up on running for reelection in the August election. Arce was proclaimed candidate for his party, the movement to socialism.

Arce faces a serious economic crisis in Bolivia because of the scarcity of dollars and fuel, which undermined their popularity. In the latest election poll, released on March 27 by Captura Consultingthe current president appeared with only 1% of voting intentions. Andronics Rodríguez, current president of the Bolivian Senate and member of MAS, officialized his candidacy on Saturday (10.MAI) and appeared in the lead, with 18% of voting intentions.

By announcing the withdrawal of reelection, Arce asked Rodríguez “Assume the challenge of acting for the people“. The current president asked former Bolivian leader Evo Morales, who said in February that to dispute the election, not “insist on being a candidate”According to Arce, having both candidacies would divide the left and strengthen the right.

“I launch a challenge to former President Evo Morales of not insisting on being a presidential candidate –1º because, constitutionally, it cannot be. And then, because the fragmentation of the vote would only favor the right. I appeal to the andron mate to assume the challenge of thinking and acting due to the unity of the people”He said in a statement.

The president of Bolivia said he wishes “the broadest unit on the leftAnd hopes that there is a unique candidate capable of defeating the opposition.

Morales seeks to return to the political scenario through the front to victory, challenging a court decision that prevents him from participating in the election. Central figure in Bolivian politics, the former president decided to launch his candidacy out of MAS.

“We already have the party to participate in this year’s elections. Now, with the front to victory, we will win the national elections again”Said Morales in February.