Bolivia’s Paz Surges Ahead, Faces Quiroga in Historic Runoff

URGENT UPDATE: Bolivia is set for an unprecedented presidential election runoff after shocking early results from Sunday’s election. Centrist candidate Rodrigo Paz has surged ahead with 32.8% of the votes, while former conservative president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga trails with 26.4%. With over 91% of the ballots counted, neither candidate achieved the necessary majority, leading to a decisive face-off on October 19, 2023.

This runoff marks a significant shift in Bolivian politics, as the powerful Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, led by former President Evo Morales, suffers a severe blow. Official MAS candidate Eduardo del Castillo garnered only 3.2%, while Senate president Andrónico Rodríguez captured just 8%. The MAS party, once dominant for nearly two decades, is now struggling to maintain its influence amid economic turmoil.

Paz, who previously served as mayor, has advocated for a moderate approach, seeking to distance himself from the controversial policies of the MAS party. His rise reflects a growing public sentiment against a full return to right-wing governance, which Morales dismantled in his rise to power in 2006. Many Bolivians appear hesitant to revert to the same economic strategies that preceded Morales, especially as the country faces severe challenges like fuel shortages, double-digit inflation, and a lack of US dollars.

As the election unfolded, many were caught off guard by Paz’s lead, given recent opinion polls that favored Quiroga and multimillionaire businessman Samuel Doria Medina, who failed for the fourth time in his presidential bid. Doria Medina expressed his disappointment, stating, “I wanted to serve Bolivia as president, and it hasn’t been possible,” highlighting the emotional stakes of this election for many Bolivians.

The stakes are high as Bolivia navigates a critical juncture in its political landscape. The upcoming runoff will determine the future direction of this landlocked nation of 12 million people as it grapples with pressing economic challenges. Observers are keenly watching how Paz’s moderate policies will resonate with voters against Quiroga’s conservative platform, particularly regarding Bolivia’s abundant lithium reserves and foreign investment.

The political atmosphere in Bolivia is charged with anticipation as the nation prepares for the next phase of this historic election. Bolivians are poised to make a choice that could reshape their economic and political future. As the runoff approaches, all eyes will be on the candidates and their ability to address the urgent needs of the populace, making this a critical moment for Bolivian democracy.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.