Bolivia Holds Presidential Election Amid Economic Crisis, MAS Party Collapse

Bolivia is holding presidential elections amid a severe economic crisis and a fragmented political landscape that threatens to end nearly 20 years of dominance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, founded by Evo Morales. The ruling MAS party is deeply divided following a feud between current president Luis Arce and Morales, with Arce opting not to run and nominating Eduardo del Castillo, who polls below the 3% threshold needed to maintain MAS's legal status. Economic challenges including inflation near 25%, fuel shortages, and currency devaluation have eroded MAS's once massive popular support. Polls indicate a likely runoff between two right-leaning candidates: businessman Samuel Doria Medina and former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, both polling around 20-24%. Bolivia is deploying an unprecedented police presence to ensure security amid tensions and protests fueled by political divisions and worsening economic conditions. The election outcome could significantly reshape Bolivia’s political future, ending MAS's long-standing influence and impacting investor confidence in the country's valuable resource sectors.