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Bolivia Heads to Presidential Run-off Between Centrist and Right-Wing Candidates

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bolivia's presidential election has headed to a run-off between a centrist candidate, likely representing the Christian Democratic Party, and a right-wing candidate, after the Movement for Socialism (MAS) government failed to secure a majority. Preliminary results showed the centrist candidate leading with 32.8% of the vote, while the right-wing candidate trailed behind with 26.4%. This development has significant implications for Bolivia's future, particularly given its worsening economic crisis, with annual inflation nearing 25% and critical shortages of US dollars and fuel.

Key Takeaways:

  • The centrist candidate, representing the Christian Democratic Party, will face the right-wing candidate, Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, of the Alianza Libre coalition, in the run-off election on October 19.
  • The Movement for Socialism (MAS) government, which has been in power for nearly two decades, failed to secure a majority, with the centrist candidate polling 32.8% of the vote.
  • Former leftist President Evo Morales was barred from running, and outgoing socialist President Luis Arce opted out of the race due to the division within the leftist coalition and Bolivia's deep economic crisis.
  • Voters will also elect all 26 senators and 130 deputies, with officials assuming office on November 8.
  • Bolivia is experiencing its worst economic crisis in a generation, with annual inflation nearing 25% and critical shortages of US dollars and fuel.
  • The country's economy has been affected by the decline in gas revenues, from $6.1bn in 2013 to $1.6bn last year, due to a lack of new projects, and the unexploited lithium reserves.
  • The government faces a shortage of foreign exchange needed to import fuel, wheat, and other foodstuffs, leading to citizen protests against long queues for such essentials.

Statistics:

  • 91% of ballots were counted on Sunday night, with preliminary results showing the centrist candidate leading with 32.8% of the vote.
  • The right-wing candidate, Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, polled 26.4% of the vote, trailing in second place.
  • Bolivia's annual inflation rate is nearing 25%.
  • The country faces critical shortages of US dollars and fuel.
  • Gas revenues declined from $6.1bn in 2013 to $1.6bn last year.
  • The government faces a shortage of foreign exchange needed to import fuel, wheat, and other foodstuffs.

Sources:

  • Al Jazeera
  • aninews.in, August 18

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