As Bolivia approaches a highly anticipated August 17 presidential election, significant political shifts may influence the race’s outcome. Incumbent President Luis Arce announced he would withdraw his re-election bid, citing a desire to prevent division among voters and the rise of a right-wing force. Meanwhile, Bolivia’s constitutional court ruled that Arce’s political mentor, former President Evo Morales, cannot run for another term, upholding a two-term limit. Morales, defiant as ever, declared that only the people can ask him to step down. These developments add uncertainty to a presidential race where no clear leader has emerged. Arce’s decision followed a tenure marked by political unrest and economic challenges such as high inflation and currency value decline. He called for unity among the left-wing movement to counter the threat of the right. Meanwhile, Morales, facing term limit restrictions and legal challenges, remains defiant, framing the court’s decision as a violation of his rights and a result of foreign interference.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/15/president-luis-arce-quits-bolivias-presidential-race-amid-slumping-support?traffic_source=rss
