Bolivia’s October 2020 presidential election has significantly changed the country’s political landscape. From 2022, for the first time in the nation’s history, a runoff election will occur. On that recent Sunday, the election signalled the end of leftwing hegemony. Rightwing candidates Rodrigo Paz Pereira and Jorge ‘Tuto’ Quiroga jumped to the front as the leading rightwingers. The runoff is expected to be deeply affected by the backdrop of continuing economic strife, such as increasing inflation and gas scarcity.
With more than 95% of the ballots tallied, Paz Pereira, a 57-year-old business mogul, garnered 32.1% of the vote. At the same time, ex president Quiroga, 65, is a close second with 26.8%. Paz Pereira had launched his campaign at a lowly 3% in the polls. His message was a hit and voters responded by sending him all the way to the runoff! Business magnate Samuel Doria Medina came a strong third, winning 19.9% of the vote as an alternative business elite. Senator Andrónico Rodríguez was a real surprise in fourth, snagging a little over 8%.
An overwhelming turnout and a definite shift in the way people voted shows a clear and striking move in public sentiment. That’s right—nearly one in five of the ballots were thrown out. This percentage is unusually high compared to the historical average measured during Bolivian elections. The court then has no more than seven days to issue its final certified election results.
President Luis Arce voted in the election, casting his ballot in La Paz. He kept repeating the significance of a peaceful transition while avowing that he would oversee “an incredibly, smooth, uneventful, democratic transition” this past November. His administration is under increasing pressure from every direction as it tries to steer the country through the unfolding economic crisis.
Evo Morales, the former president and controversial larger-than-life character of Bolivian politics, cast a vote but is mired in conflict. He cast his vote in Villa 14 de Septiembre, roughly 25 miles from where hundreds of coca growers have shielded him from police and military detainment. Morales is still wanted in the arrest warrant that was issued last October after he allegedly fathered a child with a 15-year-old. He continues to adamantly deny any wrongdoing. He claims those charges are part of a political conspiracy plan, purportedly concocted by the present-day administration in order to destroy him.
With the political winds blowing ever more in the direction of the rightwing narrative, candidates are just starting to gear up for the likely runoff come November. The emphasis, unlike some international models, should be on meeting urgent economic needs that Bolivia is in the midst of experiencing.
Paz Pereira took time to thank all the support he received during his campaign and his years of service.
“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.” – Rodrigo Paz Pereira
This runoff campaign will likely be a ground zero for addressing these issues deeply, as voters are demanding real answers to their well-founded, immediate fears. Both candidates will need to address issues that resonate with the electorate if they hope to secure victory.
“It is a historic night – not for one party, not for one faction, not for one candidacy, but for all Bolivians who have spoken with strength, with faith, with hope and with dignity. Today, we have taken a giant step towards a better tomorrow.” – Jorge ‘Tuto’ Quiroga
The runoff campaign is expected to delve deeply into economic policies as voters seek solutions to their immediate concerns. Both candidates will need to address issues that resonate with the electorate if they hope to secure victory.