In a historic turn of events, centrist senator Rodrigo Paz has emerged as Bolivia’s next president, according to preliminary results announced on Monday. This victory signals a dramatic political transformation for the nation, ending nearly two decades of dominance by the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party and ushering in a new era amid the country’s most severe economic crisis in decades. Paz secured 54.5% of the vote, defeating his rival, former right-wing President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, who garnered 45.5%. Óscar Hassenteufel, president of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, declared the outcome irreversible. Paz’s campaign, bolstered by his running mate, ex-police captain Edman Lara, resonated deeply with working-class and rural voters frustrated by skyrocketing inflation and acute dollar shortages that have disrupted food and fuel supplies. Despite widespread disillusionment with MAS, many Bolivians remained wary of Quiroga’s abrupt shift away from the party’s social protections toward an IMF-backed economic model. Paz’s victory sets Bolivia on an uncertain path as he seeks to implement sweeping reforms, including ending the fixed exchange rate, phasing out fuel subsidies, and reducing public investment. While his Christian Democratic Party holds a slight majority in Congress, Paz will need to navigate compromises to enact his ambitious agenda. His supporters celebrated in the streets of La Paz, hailing the election as a turning point for the nation. Quiroga conceded gracefully, urging calm and unity. The U.S. State Department extended congratulations, signaling a potential thaw in bilateral relations strained since Morales expelled the U.S. ambassador in 2008. However, Paz inherits a dire economic situation, with inflation at a 32-year high and severe fuel shortages. He has pledged to avoid IMF intervention, instead focusing on anti-corruption measures and restoring confidence in Bolivia’s currency. Despite criticism of his vague fiscal plans, Paz’s message of gradual free-market reforms and his appeal to diverse voter groups have positioned him as a unifying figure in a deeply divided nation.
Rodrigo Paz wins presidential runoff, becoming Bolivia’s first conservative leader in decades
