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Miami Herald
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Economic crisis, Evo Morales threaten Bolivia's election
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, June 9 (UPI) -- Bolivia's Supreme Electoral Tribunal has approved 10 presidential tickets for the Aug. 17 election, confirming that former President Evo Morales will not be allowed to run. The announcement comes amid heightened political, economic and social tensions, including a supply crisis and protests organized by Morales' supporters, who are demanding his reinstatement as a candidate. The tribunal said Morales does not meet the constitutional requirements to seek office again, and that the party with which he attempted to register -- the Partido de Acción Nacional Boliviano, or Pan-Bol -- has been legally disqualified. President Luis Arce's government also filed a criminal complaint against Morales on Thursday, accusing him of eight criminal offenses, including terrorism, incitement to commit crimes, attacks on public infrastructure and obstructing the electoral process. The charges are based on an audio recording shared by a rural union leader that allegedly captures Morales urging supporters to step up protests and block major cities, including La Paz. Morales has denied the recording's authenticity, calling it a fabrication, and says the demonstrations reflect public discontent over the economic crisis and his disqualification from the presidential race. Morales' supporters have erected roadblocks and continue to demand his inclusion in the race under the slogan, "No elections without Evo." Morales has reiterated his intention to return to office, saying, "Only the people can ask me to withdraw my candidacy." The protests have mainly affected Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, causing significant economic losses and worsening nationwide shortages of fuel and food. The Arce government says the demonstrations are aimed at destabilizing the administration and has threatened to deploy the military in response. "Evo Morales lies when he says he acts for the well-being of Bolivian families. He lies when he says his protest is about inflation, the economy or basic necessities. He lies when he claims to be 'obeying the people,' and Bolivians know it," Arce wrote on X. He added that Morales and his allies "are pursuing my resignation and that of the entire government, solely to force his own candidacy." Among the tribunal-approved candidates are former Minister of Government Eduardo del Castillo, backed by Arce, and Senate President Andrónico Rodríguez. Rodríguez has emerged as a prominent figure in Bolivian politics. Long considered the "natural heir" to Morales, he has positioned himself as a moderate and unifying candidate, distancing himself from Morales and Arce. The opposition has attempted to form coalitions to challenge the ruling party, but ideological and personal differences have hampered efforts to unify. As a result, several opposition candidates are running separately, including former President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga and businessman and former minister Samuel Doria Medina. The International Monetary Fund recently issued a critical report on Bolivia's economy, warning that current policies are unsustainable. The IMF projects inflation will reach 15.8% in 2025 -- more than twice the government's estimate -- and forecasts just 1.1% economic growth, the lowest in Latin America. It also warns that public debt has climbed to 95% of GDP, and that international reserves are critically low, contributing to shortages of foreign currency and fuel. Fuel shortages worsened in 2024, triggering long lines at gas stations and major disruptions in transportation and agriculture. The crisis stems largely from a drop in domestic hydrocarbon production and a shortage of foreign currency needed for imports. Truckers and other sectors have launched protests demanding urgent action from the government. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Economic crisis, Evo Morales threaten Bolivia's election
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, June 9 (UPI) -- Bolivia's Supreme Electoral Tribunal has approved 10 presidential tickets for the Aug. 17 election, confirming that former President Evo Morales will not be allowed to run. The announcement comes amid heightened political, economic and social tensions, including a supply crisis and protests organized by Morales' supporters, who are demanding his reinstatement as a candidate. The tribunal said Morales does not meet the constitutional requirements to seek office again, and that the party with which he attempted to register -- the Partido de Acción Nacional Boliviano, or Pan-Bol -- has been legally disqualified. President Luis Arce's government also filed a criminal complaint against Morales on Thursday, accusing him of eight criminal offenses, including terrorism, incitement to commit crimes, attacks on public infrastructure and obstructing the electoral process. The charges are based on an audio recording shared by a rural union leader that allegedly captures Morales urging supporters to step up protests and block major cities, including La Paz. Morales has denied the recording's authenticity, calling it a fabrication, and says the demonstrations reflect public discontent over the economic crisis and his disqualification from the presidential race. Morales' supporters have erected roadblocks and continue to demand his inclusion in the race under the slogan, "No elections without Evo." Morales has reiterated his intention to return to office, saying, "Only the people can ask me to withdraw my candidacy." The protests have mainly affected Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, causing significant economic losses and worsening nationwide shortages of fuel and food. The Arce government says the demonstrations are aimed at destabilizing the administration and has threatened to deploy the military in response. "Evo Morales lies when he says he acts for the well-being of Bolivian families. He lies when he says his protest is about inflation, the economy or basic necessities. He lies when he claims to be 'obeying the people,' and Bolivians know it," Arce wrote on X. He added that Morales and his allies "are pursuing my resignation and that of the entire government, solely to force his own candidacy." Among the tribunal-approved candidates are former Minister of Government Eduardo del Castillo, backed by Arce, and Senate President Andrónico Rodríguez. Rodríguez has emerged as a prominent figure in Bolivian politics. Long considered the "natural heir" to Morales, he has positioned himself as a moderate and unifying candidate, distancing himself from Morales and Arce. The opposition has attempted to form coalitions to challenge the ruling party, but ideological and personal differences have hampered efforts to unify. As a result, several opposition candidates are running separately, including former President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga and businessman and former minister Samuel Doria Medina. The International Monetary Fund recently issued a critical report on Bolivia's economy, warning that current policies are unsustainable. The IMF projects inflation will reach 15.8% in 2025 -- more than twice the government's estimate -- and forecasts just 1.1% economic growth, the lowest in Latin America. It also warns that public debt has climbed to 95% of GDP, and that international reserves are critically low, contributing to shortages of foreign currency and fuel. Fuel shortages worsened in 2024, triggering long lines at gas stations and major disruptions in transportation and agriculture. The crisis stems largely from a drop in domestic hydrocarbon production and a shortage of foreign currency needed for imports. Truckers and other sectors have launched protests demanding urgent action from the government.
UPI
9 hours ago
- Politics
- UPI
Economic crisis, Evo Morales threaten Bolivia's election
Former President Evo Morales will not be allowed to run in Bolivia's Aug. 17 elections. .File Photo by Jorge Abrego/EPA-EFE ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, June 9 (UPI) -- Bolivia's Supreme Electoral Tribunal has approved 10 presidential tickets for the Aug. 17 election, confirming that former President Evo Morales will not be allowed to run. The announcement comes amid heightened political, economic and social tensions, including a supply crisis and protests organized by Morales' supporters, who are demanding his reinstatement as a candidate. The tribunal said Morales does not meet the constitutional requirements to seek office again, and that the party with which he attempted to register -- the Partido de Acción Nacional Boliviano, or Pan-Bol -- has been legally disqualified. President Luis Arce's government also filed a criminal complaint against Morales on Thursday, accusing him of eight criminal offenses, including terrorism, incitement to commit crimes, attacks on public infrastructure and obstructing the electoral process. The charges are based on an audio recording shared by a rural union leader that allegedly captures Morales urging supporters to step up protests and block major cities, including La Paz. Morales has denied the recording's authenticity, calling it a fabrication, and says the demonstrations reflect public discontent over the economic crisis and his disqualification from the presidential race. Morales' supporters have erected roadblocks and continue to demand his inclusion in the race under the slogan, "No elections without Evo." Morales has reiterated his intention to return to office, saying, "Only the people can ask me to withdraw my candidacy." The protests have mainly affected Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, causing significant economic losses and worsening nationwide shortages of fuel and food. The Arce government says the demonstrations are aimed at destabilizing the administration and has threatened to deploy the military in response. "Evo Morales lies when he says he acts for the well-being of Bolivian families. He lies when he says his protest is about inflation, the economy or basic necessities. He lies when he claims to be 'obeying the people,' and Bolivians know it," Arce wrote on X. He added that Morales and his allies "are pursuing my resignation and that of the entire government, solely to force his own candidacy." Among the tribunal-approved candidates are former Minister of Government Eduardo del Castillo, backed by Arce, and Senate President Andrónico Rodríguez. Rodríguez has emerged as a prominent figure in Bolivian politics. Long considered the "natural heir" to Morales, he has positioned himself as a moderate and unifying candidate, distancing himself from Morales and Arce. The opposition has attempted to form coalitions to challenge the ruling party, but ideological and personal differences have hampered efforts to unify. As a result, several opposition candidates are running separately, including former President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga and businessman and former minister Samuel Doria Medina. The International Monetary Fund recently issued a critical report on Bolivia's economy, warning that current policies are unsustainable. The IMF projects inflation will reach 15.8% in 2025 -- more than twice the government's estimate -- and forecasts just 1.1% economic growth, the lowest in Latin America. It also warns that public debt has climbed to 95% of GDP, and that international reserves are critically low, contributing to shortages of foreign currency and fuel. Fuel shortages worsened in 2024, triggering long lines at gas stations and major disruptions in transportation and agriculture. The crisis stems largely from a drop in domestic hydrocarbon production and a shortage of foreign currency needed for imports. Truckers and other sectors have launched protests demanding urgent action from the government.
3 days ago
- Politics
Bolivia reinstates a leftist challenger but keeps former leader Morales off the ballot
LA PAZ, Bolivia -- Bolivia's electoral tribunal on Friday included leftist Senate leader Andrónico Rodríguez on the list of presidential candidates approved for the ballot but excluded the powerful former socialist leader Evo Morales — the other major thorn in the president's side. As tensions escalate in the run-up to Bolivia's Aug. 17 elections, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal reinstated Rodríguez, a 36-year-old political upstart with close ties to Morales and roots in the ex-president's rural coca-growing stronghold, weeks after suspending his candidacy on technical grounds in a decision that shocked many Bolivians. 'We are the candidate of the people,' Rodríguez said in a speech welcoming the revival of his campaign. 'Our primary concern has been to wage the legal battle, and in the end, the power of the people had to prevail.' With the ruling Movement Toward Socialism party, or MAS, riven by dysfunction and division over President Luis Arce's power struggle with his former mentor, Morales, supporters of the senate leader see him as the only chance for MAS to beat the right-wing opposition and salvage its decades-long political dominance. President Arce, widely blamed for accelerating Bolivia's worst economic crisis in 40 years, dropped out of the race last month. Opinion polls show that his pick for the presidency, senior minister Eduardo del Castillo, has inherited the president's unpopularity. Arce's government insists that its main rival, Morales, is constitutionally barred from running. Morales accuses Arce of waging a 'judicial war' against him. In leaving out Morales, the tribunal opened the potential for further turmoil: Morales has called on his supporters to take to the streets to demand his eligibility. Over the last week his followers have blockaded some of the main roads around the country, adding to a sense of crisis as merchants and truckers rise up in outrage over surging food prices and severe fuel shortages. Morales, who governed Bolivia from 2006 to 2019, has been holed up in the country's tropics for months, surrounded by fiercely loyal coca-farmers, as Arce's government seeks his arrest on charges relating to his sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. A constitutional court filled with judges beholden to Arce has disputed the legality of Morales' fourth candidacy and barred him from the contest. 'The constitutional court acts like a sniper ... restricting and enabling electoral participation upon request,' he said in response to his disqualification. 'The order is clear: Hand over the government to the right and legitimize the election with negotiated candidates who will protect their backs.' Morales, whose own loyalists packed the same court when he was president, points to an earlier court ruling that paved the way for his 2019 presidential campaign, that said it would violate his human rights to stop him running. Morales' bid that year for an unprecedented fourth term ultimately sparked mass protests and led to his resignation and brief self-exile. The conservative opposition to MAS is also fractured, with at least three right-of-center candidates vying for the presidency and no clear frontrunner. All of them are little-known abroad but well-known within Bolivia, where they have run for president or served in government in the past: Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga, former president from 2001-2002, Samuel Doria Medina, a former cement tycoon and planning minister, and Manfred Reyes Villa, the mayor of Bolivia's major central city of Cochabamba.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Bolivia reinstates a leftist challenger but keeps former leader Morales off the ballot
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Bolivia's electoral tribunal on Friday included leftist Senate leader Andrónico Rodríguez on the list of presidential candidates approved for the ballot but excluded the powerful former socialist leader Evo Morales — the other major thorn in the president's side. As tensions escalate in the run-up to Bolivia's Aug. 17 elections, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal reinstated Rodríguez, a 36-year-old political upstart with close ties to Morales and roots in the ex-president's rural coca-growing stronghold, weeks after suspending his candidacy on technical grounds in a decision that shocked many Bolivians . 'We are the candidate of the people,' Rodríguez said in a speech welcoming the revival of his campaign. 'Our primary concern has been to wage the legal battle, and in the end, the power of the people had to prevail.' With the ruling Movement Toward Socialism party, or MAS, riven by dysfunction and division over President Luis Arce's power struggle with his former mentor , Morales, supporters of the senate leader see him as the only chance for MAS to beat the right-wing opposition and salvage its decades-long political dominance. President Arce, widely blamed for accelerating Bolivia's worst economic crisis in 40 years, dropped out of the race last month. Opinion polls show that his pick for the presidency, senior minister Eduardo del Castillo, has inherited the president's unpopularity. Arce's government insists that its main rival, Morales, is constitutionally barred from running. Morales accuses Arce of waging a 'judicial war' against him. In leaving out Morales, the tribunal opened the potential for further turmoil: Morales has called on his supporters to take to the streets to demand his eligibility. Over the last week his followers have blockaded some of the main roads around the country, adding to a sense of crisis as merchants and truckers rise up in outrage over surging food prices and severe fuel shortages. Morales, who governed Bolivia from 2006 to 2019, has been holed up in the country's tropics for months , surrounded by fiercely loyal coca-farmers, as Arce's government seeks his arrest on charges relating to his sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. A constitutional court filled with judges beholden to Arce has disputed the legality of Morales' fourth candidacy and barred him from the contest. 'The constitutional court acts like a sniper ... restricting and enabling electoral participation upon request,' he said in response to his disqualification. 'The order is clear: Hand over the government to the right and legitimize the election with negotiated candidates who will protect their backs.' Morales, whose own loyalists packed the same court when he was president, points to an earlier court ruling that paved the way for his 2019 presidential campaign, that said it would violate his human rights to stop him running. Morales' bid that year for an unprecedented fourth term ultimately sparked mass protests and led to his resignation and brief self-exile. The conservative opposition to MAS is also fractured, with at least three right-of-center candidates vying for the presidency and no clear frontrunner. All of them are little-known abroad but well-known within Bolivia, where they have run for president or served in government in the past: Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga, former president from 2001-2002, Samuel Doria Medina, a former cement tycoon and planning minister, and Manfred Reyes Villa, the mayor of Bolivia's major central city of Cochabamba. Quiroga and Doria Medina promoted privatizations of state-run companies in the 1990s before MAS took over. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
