Bolivian Election Sees Right-Wing Paz (32.1%) and Quiroga (26.9%) Lead; Paz Supports Chile Ties and Venezuelan Democracy

The recent Bolivian presidential election marked a notable shift in the country’s political landscape, with right-wing candidates leading the first round after nearly two decades of dominance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party under Evo Morales and Luis Arce. Rodrigo Paz Pereira secured 32.1% of the vote, followed by Jorge Quiroga with 26.9%, and Samuel Doria Medina with 19.9%. Rodrigo Paz has expressed a desire to reopen diplomatic relations with Chile, emphasizing the need to move past longstanding disputes, including Bolivia’s maritime claim through Chile. Paz also supports efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Jorge Quiroga, a former right-wing president, has pledged comprehensive changes if elected. Political commentators highlight the urgency for a constitutional restoration to break from the current political status quo, underscoring the potential end of continuist governance in Bolivia.