Bolivia: Runoff election between two opposition candidates

La Paz. According to preliminary results, a runoff election in Bolivia will decide the future government. None of the candidates achieved the required majority in the first round, as the electoral authority announced after approximately 90 percent of the votes had been counted. However, it is already clear that after almost two decades of left-wing governments, a political shift in direction is imminent in the South American country.

On October 19, the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round will face off. These are Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the centrist Christian Democratic Party, "Partido Demócrata Cristiano," and former President Jorge Quiroga of the right-wing "Libertad y Democracia" (Freedom and Democracy) party.

Bolivian presidential candidate Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party points to his supporters during a campaign event.

Source: Juan Karita/AP/dpa

Politics was long dominated by the power struggle between former President Evo Morales and outgoing President Luis Arce of the left-wing Socialist Movement (MAS) party. The election marks a sharp change in the political power structure: outgoing President Arce withdrew due to declining popularity, and Morales was barred from running again due to constitutional term limits. Furthermore, Morales faces an arrest warrant for sexual abuse of a minor.

Incidents occurred on the sidelines of the vote. Left-wing candidate Andrónico Rodríguez was attacked with stones by suspected supporters of former President Morales after casting his vote. A few hours earlier, an explosive device had been reported detonated at the same location. There was initially no information about injuries. In addition to the presidential election, a new parliament was also elected.

The South American country, with a population of around twelve million, is in the grip of a severe economic crisis. Fuel and foreign currency shortages, inflation, and poverty characterize everyday life. Bolivia plays an important role in international politics, partly because of its large lithium deposits. German companies are hoping for better investment conditions under a new government.

RND/dpa