Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], August 19: Preliminary results show that Bolivia's presidential election will go to a runoff, as no candidate won a necessary majority in the first round, election authorities said on Sunday after counting about 90% of the votes.
After nearly two decades of left-wing governments, the country looks set for a political change.
The runoff on October 19 will pit Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the centrist Christian Democratic Party against former president Jorge Quiroga (2001-2002) of the right-wing Freedom and Democracy Party.
Around 8 million citizens were called upon Sunday to elect a new head of state as well as the vice president, and parliament. The winner will take over the presidency for a five-year term in November.
Politics has been dominated in recent months by the power struggle between former president Evo Morales (2006-2019) and his successor, Luis Arce.
Outgoing president Arce is not seeking re-election due to falling popularity, while Morales is barred by constitutional term limits and is also facing an arrest warrant over the alleged sexual abuse of a minor.
Incidents reported
There were incidents reported on election day: Left-wing candidate Andronico RodrÃguez was attacked with stones and insulted after casting his vote in the Carrasco province.
According to media reports, the attackers were supporters of Morales, who has labelled RodrÃguez a "traitor."
Earlier the same day, the detonation of an explosive device was reported at the same polling station. There was no immediate information on possible injuries.
Bolivia, one of South America's poorest countries, is grappling with a deep economic crisis marked by foreign currency shortages, fuel scarcity, inflation, poverty, and growing public discontent. Its vast lithium reserves make Bolivia an important player on the international stage.
Source: Qatar Tribune
