Bolivia Heads to Presidential Run-off, Marking End of Decades-long MAS Rule

Bolivia's presidential election has confirmed the country's long-standing Movement for Socialism (MAS) party is on the way out. Centrist Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party is in the lead, with 32.8% of the vote, followed closely by conservative Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, who will face Paz in a run-off election on October 19. This significant shift comes as the country grapples with a severe economic crisis, marked by soaring inflation and crippling shortages of essential goods.

Key Takeaways:

• Centrist Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party leads the election with 32.8% of the vote, securing a spot in the run-off election alongside Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga.
• Conservative former interim President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga secured 26.4% of the vote, enough to compete in the run-off election.
• The MAS party, which has governed Bolivia since 2005, is on the verge of being removed from power.
• Bolivia is experiencing an economic crisis, with annual inflation reaching 25% and severe shortages of US dollars and fuel.
• The country has struggled with a lack of new gas projects, resulting in plummeting gas revenues from $6.1bn in 2013 to $1.6bn last year.

Statistics:

• 91% of ballots were counted as of Sunday night, with centrist Rodrigo Paz leading the election.
• 32.8% of voters supported centrist Rodrigo Paz, giving him a significant lead in the election.
• 26.4% of voters supported conservative Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, securing his spot in the run-off election.
• Annual inflation has reached 25%, crippling Bolivia's economy and causing widespread shortages.
• Gas revenues plummeted from $6.1bn in 2013 to $1.6bn last year.

Sources:

• Al Jazeera: "Bolivia election: Centrist Rodrigo Paz and Jorge Quiroga to face run-off" (no date)
• Al Jazeera: "What to know about Bolivia's presidential election" (no date)
• Al Jazeera: "Bolivia's Morales blames capitalism for climate change" (13 October 2015)