Bolivia Awaits Results as Presidential Runoff Concludes
Polling stations across Bolivia closed at 4:00 PM local time today, marking the end of a closely watched presidential runoff election between Rodrigo Paz and Jorge Tuto Quiroga.Vote counting is now underway, with initial results expected from the Electoral Tribunal as early as 8:00 PM.
Both candidates spent election day actively participating in the democratic process. Rodrigo Paz, representing the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), cast his ballot in Tarija, the southern city where he previously served as mayor. He acknowledged the challenging economic climate facing the nation – characterized by high inflation, dollar shortages, and fuel scarcity – but expressed optimism, stating, “These are very difficult times, but Bolivia has great opportunities to move forward.” Paz indicated he had already begun discussions with parliamentary parties to secure a governing coalition should he win, emphasizing his partyS potential to form a majority alliance with various political forces.
Jorge Tuto Quiroga, simultaneously occurring, voted in Cochabamba, the city of his birth, accompanied by his 92-year-old father.He urged citizens to participate, framing the election as a crucial opportunity to reverse what he described as “20 years [of policies] that were destructive” and usher in “a bright future.” He then travelled to La Paz to await the results.
Throughout the campaign, polling data suggested a regional divide in voter support. Paz appeared to have strong backing in the western, Andean regions, populated largely by Aymara and Quechua communities. Quiroga, conversely, enjoyed significant support in the eastern lowlands and jungle areas, where a Creole population with ties to the agro-export industry predominates.
Election day itself was remarkably peaceful.A nationwide ban on vehicular traffic led to unusually quiet cities, underscoring Bolivia’s tradition of calm during elections.With only two candidates in the race, a swift recount is anticipated, and both paz and Quiroga have pledged to respect the outcome.
A dissenting voice emerged from former President Evo Morales, who is currently residing in the coca-growing region of Chapare due to constitutional restrictions preventing his re-election and facing an arrest warrant related to allegations of sexual abuse of minors. Despite these circumstances,Morales cast his vote and asserted that neither Paz nor Quiroga represent the interests of the Bolivian people or its indigenous communities,claiming that role for himself.
