Elections in Bolivia Could Change the Political Landscape

• Elections in Bolivia could signify the end of the Morales era.
• The economic crisis has impacted the political landscape of the country.
• Citizens express skepticism regarding all candidates.

La-Paz, Bolivia — On Sunday, when Bolivia holds elections, many citizens, such as 39-year-old bus driver Renan Aliaga, will mark the end of an era associated with Evo Morales. Morales, the former leader of the trade union, founded the most successful political party in the country — the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) — and transformed the country through three terms characterized by political stability and economic growth.

However, this time Aliaga does not see Morales' name on the ballot, as the electoral authorities have excluded him. This is the first instance in two decades when no major figure from the MAS party will be on the ballots. Even President Luis Arce, Morales' protégé, has declined to participate in the elections due to his inability to stop the economic downturn.

Under the leadership of MAS, Bolivia experienced years of fixed exchange rates, low inflation, and subsidized energy. Currently, the country is facing high inflation, shortages of imported goods, and fuel deficits.

Arce has delegated authority to the minor minister Eduardo Del Castillo. The main candidates this time are a conservative businessman, a right-wing former president, and a young leftist leader of the Senate.

Aliaga, who previously supported MAS, expressed disappointment: "They had their chance, and it was a disaster," he recalled the difficulties the country faced in the 1990s when the rights of candidates were limited.

The main issues in these elections are the economic model of the left, democratic integrity, and the well-being of millions of people who are experiencing the worst financial crisis in the last 40 years. According to political analyst Veronika Roxy, this could be the end not only for MAS but for the entire governing model.

Meanwhile, MAS's popularity has declined since the controversial elections of 2019, when Morales went into exile under military pressure. After returning to power, Arce's administration was again criticized when Morales announced his intention to return to politics, which raised concerns about losing the majority in Arce's government.

Among the candidates is also 36-year-old Senate president Andronico Rodriguez, who initially sparked hope but later became the object of criticism from Morales' side. Another important figure is central candidate Rodolfo Paz, who aims to attract youth.

So far, many voters express skepticism regarding all candidates. On the streets of La-Paz, graffiti appeared with messages that they reject voting with "null" ballots, which, in the opinion of Morales' supporters, signals about the illegitimacy of the elections.

Tags: Politics