Bolivia heads to runoff after centrist leads in tight election

Senator Rodrigo Paz unexpectedly led Bolivia’s presidential vote with 32.8%, forcing an October runoff against right-wing former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga. The result dealt a blow to the long-dominant MAS party, fractured by infighting and protests after its founder Evo Morales was barred from running. Voters cited economic collapse, rising prices, and disillusionment with veteran politicians as reasons for choosing the “lesser evil.” Both right-wing contenders support austerity and restoring ties with the U.S., raising concerns about unrest among Bolivia’s Indigenous and poor communities.

Read more:

https://apnews.com/article/bolivia-elections-right-wing-274e22ad9f493f60669a01615d3fef65