centrist Rodrigo Paz Claims Victory in Bolivia‘s Presidential Runoff
LA PAZ, Bolivia – Centrist candidate Rodrigo Paz has declared victory in Bolivia’s presidential runoff election, preliminary results indicate, signaling a potential shift away from the leftist policies that have defined the country for nearly two decades. The outcome marks a meaningful moment for Bolivia, a nation grappling with economic challenges and political polarization.
Paz’s win over rival Luis Quiroga represents a surprising outcome in a race initially expected to favor the more established Quiroga. Paz’s campaign resonated with merchants and entrepreneurs who felt burdened by the high taxes and regulations implemented during the long tenure of Evo Morales and his successor, Luis Arce. His slogan, “capitalism for all,” tapped into a desire for economic liberalization among a key segment of the electorate.
The election’s dynamic was substantially altered by paz’s choice of running mate, Samuel Lara, a former police officer who gained widespread recognition thru viral TikTok videos denouncing corruption.Lara, despite having no prior political experience, proved to be a powerful draw, particularly among former supporters of Morales’ Movement for Socialism (MAS) party.
“There’s a very clear class difference,” explained Bolivian political analyst Verónica rocha. “For Quiroga, you have people who’ve been in politics and in the economic elite for a long time – businesspeople, agro-industrialists. With Paz, it’s the opposite.”
While Paz presented a more moderate platform, Lara’s populist promises – including a universal income for women and increased pensions – often overshadowed the campaign and occasionally required Paz to distance himself from his running mate’s proposals.
Despite the internal tensions, Lara adopted a conciliatory tone following the results. “It’s time to unite, it’s time to reconcile,” Lara told supporters Sunday. “Political divisions are over.”
Many voters appeared to cast their ballots with Lara in mind, believing he would ultimately be the driving force behind the new governance. “Lara is the one acting more like a president than Paz,” said Wendy Cornejo, 28, a former Morales supporter in La Paz. “Many of us think Lara will end up running the country.”
The victory for Paz and Lara signals a potential turning point for Bolivia, as the nation navigates a complex political and economic landscape. The extent of the shift in policy remains to be seen, but the election results clearly demonstrate a desire for change among a significant portion of the Bolivian electorate.
