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USA Today
an hour ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Bolivia's left in historic defeat as presidential vote set for October
LA PAZ, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Centrist senator Rodrigo Paz was leading Bolivia's presidential election late on Sunday, according to early official results, which showed the ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) on track for its worst election defeat in a generation. Paz of the Christian Democratic Party had secured 32.18% of the vote, while Eduardo del Castillo of MAS had just 3.16%, according to initial results released by the electoral tribunal on Sunday night. Conservative former President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga of the Alianza coalition was in second with 26.94% of the vote. "Bolivia is not just asking for a change in government, it's asking for a change in the political system," Paz said in a speech broadcast on Sunday night. "This is the beginning of a great victory, of a great transformation," he added, as his supporters chanted "renewal." Earlier on Sunday, Quiroga acknowledged the results, confirming his place in the runoff, and congratulated Paz on his performance. Outgoing President Luis Arce released an upbeat statement recognizing the results. "Democracy has triumphed," the statement read. If no presidential candidate obtains more than 40% of the vote with a 10-point lead, the election will be decided in a runoff on October 19. Full official results will be announced within seven days. More: Bolivia coup fails following showdown at presidential palace in La Paz, general arrested Paz's strong performance surprised analysts. Opinion polls had suggested that the senator, with roughly 10% support, was far behind Quiroga and center-right candidate Samuel Doria Medina of the Unidad Alliance coalition. Businessman Medina conceded defeat on Sunday and said he would support Paz in an eventual runoff. Sunday's general election has been overshadowed by inflation at a four-decade high and the absence of former leftist president Evo Morales, who was barred from running and criticized the vote. But Morales' calls to boycott the election appeared to fall flat. Voter turnout on Sunday was steady, authorities said. Despite earlier concerns that the electoral process could be obstructed by supporters of Morales, who had called on the public to boycott the race, international observers said there were no major disruptions. Several minor incidents took place at polling stations in the central region of Cochabamba, Morales' political stronghold. With a crowded field of eight contenders and no dominant MAS party candidate, the election marked a "crossroads moment" for Bolivia, said Southern Andes analyst Glaeldys Gonzalez Calanche of the International Crisis Group. Bolivia's fragile economy has been at the top of many voters' minds. Price rises have surged past other Latin American countries this year, and fuel and dollars have run scarce. Annual inflation doubled to 23% in June, up from 12% in January, with some Bolivians turning to cryptocurrencies as a hedge. Many Bolivians, especially those who work in the informal economy, were now struggling to make ends meet, said economist Roger Lopez. "Bolivia is on the brink," said Lopez. "It has no dollars and faces obligations that must be paid in dollars, and voters understand that the coming years will be difficult." Early election results indicated millions of voters chose to punish MAS on Sunday, creating a window of opportunity for the first time in nearly two decades for centrists and the right, which together commanded roughly three quarters of the vote, the early count showed. "Every year the situation has got worse under this government," said Silvia Morales, 30, from La Paz, a retail worker. A former MAS voter, she said this time she would cast her vote for the center-right. Carlos Blanco Casas, 60, a teacher in La Paz, said he intended to vote for change. "This election feels hopeful. We need a change of direction," he said. Quiroga has promised "radical change" to reverse what he calls "20 lost years" under MAS rule. He supports deep public spending cuts and a shift away from alliances with Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. Quiroga was president for a year in 2001-2002 after Bolivia's then-leader resigned. Paz, meanwhile, plans to decentralize government by introducing a "50-50 economic model" in which the central government would manage only half of public funds. The remainder would be designated to regional governments. Silvia Morales, 30, a former MAS voter from La Paz, said she had cast her ballot for Paz on Sunday. "He's a new face with experience," she said, "I think we should make space for new opportunities." Voters also elected all 26 senators and 130 deputies, and officials will take office on November 8. (Reporting by Lucinda Elliott in Montevideo and Monica Machicao in La Paz, additional reporting by Daniel Ramos in La Paz and Camille Ayral in Mexico by Daina Beth Solomon, Rosalba O'Brien, Marguerita Choy, Brendan O'Boyle, Michael Perry and Kate Mayberry)
UPI
2 hours ago
- Politics
- UPI
Bolivia heads presidential run-off between right-leaning candidates
Rodrigo Paz Pereira, candidate for the Presidency of Bolivia from the Christian Democratic Party, celebrates with supporters in La Paz, Bolivia, on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Paz Pereira is headed to an October run-off election after finishing with the most votes in Sunday's election. Photo by Luis Gandarillas/EPA Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Bolivia is headed to a presidential run-off election between a center-right politician and a right-wing candidate after voters on Sunday rejected another term of the Movement for Socialism, which has governed the country for nearly two decades. According to preliminary results from the South America nation's election commission, Sen. Rodrigo Paz Pereira, 57, of the Christian Democratic Party, had 1.6 million votes for 32.1% of the vote share, followed by former rightwing interim President Jorge Quiroga, 65, who garnered 1.3 million votes for 26.8% of the vote tally. Neither received enough votes to win the election outright, necessitating a run-off in October, as was widely anticipated. Eduardo del Castillo, 36, candidate for the ruling Movement for Socialism, finished sixth in a contest of eight candidates, with 159,769 votes, for a little more than 3% of of the vote. More than 5 million eligible voters in the country of 12.4 million cast ballots, the election commission said. "I want to thank all the men and women who made this possible and gave a voice to those of us who had none, who didn't appear in the polls, who didn't exist," Pereira said in his victory speech in the Bolivian capital of La Paz, The Guardian reported. "We will fight corruption head on, dammit!" Pereira's lead comes as a surprise as polls showed businessman Samuel Doria Medina, 66, of the National Unity Front party, was the frontrunner, according to the BBC. The election commission shows Medina finished third with a little more than 1 million votes and a hair shy of 20% of the vote count. Pereira, son of former President Jaime Paz Zamora, who served from 1989 to 1993, campaigned on ending corruption and redistributing central government funds to the regions. The run-off will see the country elect a non-socialist leader since 2006, when the country elected union organizer Evo Morales its first indigenous president, who served until his resignation amid protests over voting irregularities in 2019. MAS party member Jeanine Anez became interim president until 2020, when Luis Arce Catacora was elected president. The unpopular Arce decided not to run for re-election. Sunday's vote comes as the country is experiencing an economic crisis, with the New York-based Foundation for Economic Education libertarian think tank saying its economy is on the brink of collapse. The election is seen as a repudiation of MAS and the election of a right-wing leader could see closer Bolivia-U.S. ties. A U.S. Congressional Research Service report published just a few days ahead of Sunday's election states that under MAS administrations, Bolivia has strengthen ties with China, Russia and Iran, while expressing support for authoritative governments Venezuela and Cuba. Platforms of Bolivia's right-leaning candidates suggest a distancing from such countries and prioritization of relations with democratic nations.
Al Jazeera
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Bolivia to hold presidential run-off between centrist and right-winger
Bolivia is heading to a presidential run-off between a centrist and right-wing candidate, confirming the end of two decades of government by the Movement for Socialism (MAS), according to the South American country's electoral council. With more than 91 percent of the ballots counted on Sunday night, preliminary results showed centrist Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) in the lead, with 32.8 percent of the vote. Conservative former interim President Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga, of the Alianza Libre coalition, was in second place, with 26.4 percent of the vote, meaning he will face Paz, the son of former left-leaning President Jaime Paz, in a run-off election on October 19. Candidates needed to surpass 50 percent, or 40 percent with a 10-point margin of victory, to avoid a run-off. Al Jazeera's Latin America editor Lucia Newman, reporting from Bolivia's Santa Cruz de la Sierra, said the early results confirmed that MAS, which has governed the country since 2005, is 'out of the picture'. But the 'biggest surprise', Newman said, is 'that the frontrunner is none other than somebody who was polling between fourth and fifth place up until now'. Paz is 'more to the centre' than his father, Newman added. Eight presidential candidates were in the running in Sunday's presidential election – from the far-right to the political left. Pre-election polls had shown Samuel Doria Medina, a wealthy businessman and former planning minister, as one of two frontrunners alongside Quiroga, who served as interim president and vice president under former military leader President Hugo Banzer. Former leftist President Evo Morales was barred from running, and the outgoing socialist President Luis Arce, who had fallen out with Morales, opted out of the race. The division within their leftist coalition, along with the country's deep economic crisis, meant few expected MAS to return to power. Official results are due within seven days. Voters will also elect all 26 senators and 130 deputies, and officials assume office on November 8. Spiralling inflation The Andean country has been struggling through its worst economic crisis in a generation, marked by annual inflation of almost 25 percent and critical shortages of US dollars and fuel. Bolivians repeatedly took to the streets to protest rocketing prices and hours-long waits for fuel, bread and other basics in the lead-up to Sunday's election. Bolivia enjoyed more than a decade of strong growth and Indigenous upliftment under Morales, who nationalised the gas sector and ploughed the proceeds into social programmes that halved extreme poverty during his stint in power between 2006 and 2019. But a lack of new gas projects under Morales, who was outspoken on environmental issues and climate change, has seen gas revenues plummet from a peak of $6.1bn in 2013 to $1.6bn last year. With the country's other major resource, lithium, still underground, the government has nearly run out of the foreign exchange needed to import fuel, wheat and other foodstuffs.
Reuters
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Bolivia's left in historic defeat as presidential vote set for October runoff
LA PAZ, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Centrist senator Rodrigo Paz was leading Bolivia's presidential election late on Sunday, according to early official results, which showed the ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) on track for its worst election defeat in a generation. Paz of the Christian Democratic Party had secured 32.18% of the vote, while Eduardo del Castillo of MAS had just 3.16%, according to initial results released by the electoral tribunal on Sunday night. Conservative former President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga of the Alianza coalition was in second with 26.94% of the vote. "Bolivia is not just asking for a change in government, it's asking for a change in the political system," Paz said in a speech broadcast on Sunday night. "This is the beginning of a great victory, of a great transformation," he added, as his supporters chanted "renewal." Earlier on Sunday, Quiroga acknowledged the results, confirming his place in the runoff, and congratulated Paz on his performance. Outgoing President Luis Arce released an upbeat statement recognizing the results. "Democracy has triumphed," the statement read. If no presidential candidate obtains more than 40% of the vote with a 10-point lead, the election will be decided in a runoff on October 19. Full official results will be announced within seven days. Paz's strong performance surprised analysts. Opinion polls had suggested that the senator, with roughly 10% support, was far behind Quiroga and center-right candidate Samuel Doria Medina of the Unidad Alliance coalition. Businessman Medina conceded defeat on Sunday and said he would support Paz in an eventual runoff. Sunday's general election has been overshadowed by inflation at a four-decade high and the absence of former leftist president Evo Morales, who was barred from running and criticized the vote. But Morales' calls to boycott the election appeared to fall flat. Voter turnout on Sunday was steady, authorities said. Despite earlier concerns that the electoral process could be obstructed by supporters of Morales, who had called on the public to boycott the race, international observers said there were no major disruptions. Several minor incidents took place at polling stations in the central region of Cochabamba, Morales' political stronghold. With a crowded field of eight contenders and no dominant MAS party candidate, the election marked a "crossroads moment" for Bolivia, said Southern Andes analyst Glaeldys Gonzalez Calanche of the International Crisis Group. Bolivia's fragile economy has been at the top of many voters' minds. Price rises have surged past other Latin American countries this year, and fuel and dollars have run scarce. Annual inflation doubled to 23% in June, up from 12% in January, with some Bolivians turning to cryptocurrencies as a hedge. Many Bolivians, especially those who work in the informal economy, were now struggling to make ends meet, said economist Roger Lopez. "Bolivia is on the brink," said Lopez. "It has no dollars and faces obligations that must be paid in dollars, and voters understand that the coming years will be difficult." Early election results indicated millions of voters chose to punish MAS on Sunday, creating a window of opportunity for the first time in nearly two decades for centrists and the right, which together commanded roughly three quarters of the vote, the early count showed. "Every year the situation has got worse under this government," said Silvia Morales, 30, from La Paz, a retail worker. A former MAS voter, she said this time she would cast her vote for the center-right. Carlos Blanco Casas, 60, a teacher in La Paz, said he intended to vote for change. "This election feels hopeful. We need a change of direction," he said. Quiroga has promised "radical change" to reverse what he calls "20 lost years" under MAS rule. He supports deep public spending cuts and a shift away from alliances with Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. Quiroga was president for a year in 2001-2002 after Bolivia's then-leader resigned. Paz, meanwhile, plans to decentralize government by introducing a "50-50 economic model" in which the central government would manage only half of public funds. The remainder would be designated to regional governments. Silvia Morales, 30, a former MAS voter from La Paz, said she had cast her ballot for Paz on Sunday. "He's a new face with experience," she said, "I think we should make space for new opportunities." Voters also elected all 26 senators and 130 deputies, and officials will take office on November 8.
Japan Today
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
Bolivia exit polls suggest leftist defeat; centrist Rodrigo Paz leads
Aymara women walk to vote at a polling station during the general election, in El Alto, Bolivia August 17, 2025. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares By Lucinda Elliott and Monica Machicao Early exit polls in Bolivia's presidential election on Sunday showed Centrist Senator Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party leading, with the ruling Movement for Socialism party on track to suffer its worst electoral defeat in a generation. Paz had secured 31.3% of the vote, according to a poll published by Unitel TV, while the ruling Movement for Socialism party candidate Eduardo del Castillo had just 3.2%, with other leftist challengers trailing the opposition. Conservative former president Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, of the Alianza Libre coalition, was in second with 27.3%, said Unitel. If no presidential candidate wins more than 40% support with a 10 percentage point lead, the election will head to a runoff on October 19 between the top two candidates. Official results are expected after 9 p.m. Sunday's general election has been overshadowed by inflation at a four-decade high and the absence of former leftist president Evo Morales, who is barred from running. Voter turnout on Sunday was steady, authorities said. Despite earlier concerns that the electoral process in Bolivia could be obstructed by supporters of Morales, who had called on the public to boycott the race, international observers said the vote took place without major disruptions. Head of the electoral mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Bolivia, Juan Fernando Cristo, said the elections proceeded "normally" in a post on X. Earlier on Sunday, several minor incidents took place at polling stations in the central region of Cochabamba, Morales' political stronghold. With a crowded field and no dominant MAS party candidate, the election marks a "crossroads moment" for Bolivia, said Southern Andes analyst Glaeldys Gonzalez Calanche of the International Crisis Group. Bolivia's fragile economy has been top-of-mind for voters. Price rises have surged past other Latin American countries this year, and fuel and dollars have run scarce. Annual inflation doubled to 23% in June, up from 12% in January, with some Bolivians turning to cryptocurrencies as a hedge. Many Bolivians, especially those who work in the informal economy, were now struggling to make ends meet, said economist Roger Lopez. "Prices of the basic food basket are going up fast," said Lopez. "Suddenly the math doesn't add up anymore." Exit polls indicated they chose to punish MAS on Sunday, creating a window of opportunity for centrists, the right, or a leftist faction led by Senate President Andronico Rodriguez. "Every year the situation has got worse under this government," said Silvia Morales, 30, from La Paz, who works in retail. A former MAS voter, she said this time she would cast her vote for the center-right. Carlos Blanco Casas, 60, a teacher in La Paz, said he intended to vote for change. "This election feels hopeful. We need a change of direction," he said. Quiroga has promised "radical change" to reverse what he calls "20 lost years" under MAS rule. He supports deep public spending cuts and a shift away from alliances with Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. Quiroga was president for a year in 2001-2002 after the then-leader resigned. Paz meanwhile plans to decentralize government by introducing a "50-50 economic model" in which the central government would manage only half of public funds. The remainder would be designated to regional governments. Silvia Morales, 30, a former MAS voter from La Paz, said she had cast her ballot for Paz on Sunday. "He's a new face with experience," she said, "I think we should make space for new opportunites." On the left, the vote is split between the official MAS party candidate Eduardo del Castillo, who is backed by outgoing President Luis Arce, and Senate President Andronico Rodriguez, who has distanced himself from the party and is running on his own ticket. Morales, 69, has called for a boycott of the election, but analysts said his influence is waning. "There is widespread support for these elections," said Calanche. "Most Bolivians see them as key to leading the country towards economic recovery." © Thomson Reuters 2025.
