Bolivia returns to the polls this Sunday (19) for the second presidential round, in a dispute that should end the political cycle started by Evo Morales almost two decades ago.
The election, which takes place in the midst of a serious economic crisis, pits Senator Rodrigo Paz, with a centrist profile, and former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, representative of the conservative camp, face to face.
The first round, on August 17, recorded one of the worst performances in the history of MAS (Movement to Socialism), Morales’ party, which governed the country for almost 20 years.
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Now, the dispute pits two candidates who promise to reduce the role of the State in the economy and resume dialogue with Washington, in contrast to the foreign policy adopted by the MAS, marked by alliances with China, Russia and Iran.
Economy in dispute
The country faces fuel shortages, rising inflation and a drop in natural gas exports, the main source of national income. International reserves have plummeted, and the lack of dollars affects trade and consumption.
The next president will take office, on November 8, a government with little fiscal space and a lot of popular pressure for stability.
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International surveillance
Following allegations of fraud in the 2019 elections, which led to the resignation of Evo Morales, the Supreme Electoral Court implemented a new counting system, with photographs of voting minutes and direct digital transmission to counting centers.
Observers from the European Union and the Organization of American States (OAS) will monitor the process. The polls will open at 9am (Brasília time) and close at 5pm. The court promises to release 80% of preliminary results by 9pm, with official data expected within seven days.
