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Morales, Evo

Bolivia on the Brink: A Presidential Election that Marks the End of Socialist Rule

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bolivians are gearing up to vote in a presidential run-off that will mark the end of nearly two decades of socialist rule under Evo Morales and his successor, outgoing President Luis Arce. The economy is in crisis, with inflation surging above 20 percent, and voters are seeking a new direction. The vote pits conservative former interim President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga against centrist Senator and economist Rodrigo Paz, with both candidates promising to overhaul the economy and restore relations with the US.

Key Takeaways:

  • The presidential run-off on Sunday will mark the end of nearly two decades of socialist rule in Bolivia, with the governing Movement Towards Socialism party (MAS) failing to advance a candidate to the election.
  • The vote comes as Bolivia faces its most serious economic crisis in decades, with inflation above 20 percent, fuel shortages, and long queues at petrol stations.
  • Polls show a tight race between Quiroga and Paz, with Quiroga holding a narrow lead, and nearly eight million Bolivians are eligible to vote.
  • Both candidates have promised to overhaul the economy, with Quiroga advocating for radical change and Paz proposing a slower path of economic reform.
  • Morales remains a player in Bolivian politics despite being barred from seeking another term and facing an arrest warrant for human trafficking.
  • The winner of the election will take office on November 8.

Statistics:

  • Inflation in Bolivia has surged above 20 percent.
  • Nearly eight million Bolivians are eligible to vote.
  • The election will mark the end of nearly two decades of socialist rule in Bolivia.
  • 65% of Bolivia's foreign currency reserves have been depleted after years of heavy subsidies and underinvestment in its gas industry.
  • The universal fuel subsidy is expected to be curbed, with public transport being the only tier to remain subsidized.

Sources:

  • The Al Jazeera news (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/17/a-right-wing-run-off-what-to-know-about-bolivias-presidential-election)
  • The Al Jazeera news (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/longform/2025/10/16/bolivia-on-the-brink-how-a-presidential-election-heralds-a-political-shift)
  • AFP news agency (for quotes from Felicidad Flores and Javier Quispe)
  • Reuters news agency (for quotes from Glaeldys Gonzalez Calanche)
  • AFP news agency (for quotes from Daniela Osorio)

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