Election Results Overview Bolivia's presidential election was held on August 17, and according to preliminary vote counting by the Plurinational Electoral Organ (OEP), as of 10:00 AM on August 18 with 95.41% of votes counted, opposition centrist Christian Democratic Party (PDC) Senator Rodrigo Paz leads with 32.14%, followed by opposition right-wing Free and Democratic Alliance (LIBRE) former President Jorge Quiroga with 26.81%. Ruling left-wing Movement for Socialism (MAS) former Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo trails with only 3.16%, making the end of approximately 20 years of leftist government highly likely. A runoff election is scheduled for October 19.
Economic Policy Issues Both candidates prioritize revitalizing Bolivia's economy, which is suffering from foreign currency shortages, price increases, and fuel shortages. Paz advocates export liberalization, science and technology competitiveness enhancement through public-private capital, tourism promotion, energy supply assurance through hydrocarbon and renewable energy development, fund establishment for exchange rate unification, and gasoline price stabilization subsidy reductions. However, he clearly states "will not accept IMF financing."
International Cooperation and Trade Policy Quiroga promotes exchange stabilization through cooperation with international organizations including the IMF and trade investment promotion by emphasizing relations with Western and Asian countries. He aims to improve competitiveness in natural gas, mining, and lithium resource energy sectors. Regarding MERCOSUR, while recognizing benefits in regional labor mobility, he points to inconveniences in applying common external tariff rates and shows enthusiasm for concluding free trade agreements (FTAs) with Japan, China, South Korea, and the EU, referencing Peru and Chile examples.
Political Situation Changes Evo Morales, who laid the foundation for leftist government for approximately 20 years since 2006, left the MAS party due to internal conflicts. Despite concerns about election interference, after calling for blank votes on X (formerly Twitter) on August 18, he stated recognition of election results. Bolivia formally joined MERCOSUR in July 2024 and needs to adapt domestic laws to MERCOSUR frameworks including tariff systems within four years to complete membership procedures.