For the first time in two decades, MAS (movement to socialism), a party that brought Evo Morales to power in 2006, is out of the presidential dispute in Bolivia. Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira and former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga will face himself in the second round scheduled for October 19, according to preliminary results released on Sunday night (17).
According to the electoral authority, Paz Pereira obtained 32.08% of the votes, shake 26.94% and businessman Samuel Doria Medina 19.93%. On the left, Andronics Rodríguez registered 8.11% and Eduardo Del Castillo 3.14%. The null votes, defended by Evo, reached 19%.
The vote marks the end of the hegemony of the MAS, which was shaken by internal disputes between Morales, President Luis Arce and other formerly. Prevented from running, Evo supported the null vote and accused Arce of “stealing the acronym” from the party.
Unique opportunity
Legacy Card: Far beyond a service
Surprise of the election, Peace Pereira, who appeared only third in the polls, received immediate support from Doria Medina. “If I didn’t reach the second round, I would support who came first, if it wasn’t for Mas. Well, this candidate is Rodrigo Paz, and I keep my word,” said the businessman.
Quiroga, who ruled the country between 2001 and 2002, said the election is “the most important in 40 years” and defended “different economic and future stability”. Paz Pereira, in turn, stated that the Bolivians ask for “a change of political system.”
The election occurs amid the economic crisis that weakened the government. Bolivia faces accumulated inflation of about 25% in 12 months, drop in gas exports and fuel shortage.
Continues after advertising
The next president, who will take office on November 8 for a five -year term, will have to deal with lithium exploration negotiations and the need to build alliances in Parliament.
The electoral sections opened at 9am and closed at 4 pm (Brasília time). The vote is mandatory, and the country has recorded restrictions on public transport and by apps on the day of voting.
