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Arce Warns Lawmakers Are Trying to Delay Bolivia's Oct. 19 Presidential Runoff

EU observers will monitor a contest that recent polling shows tilting toward Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga over Rodrigo Paz Pereira.

Overview

  • The Supreme Electoral Tribunal has set the second round for October 19 between Rodrigo Paz Pereira and Jorge Quiroga, the first use of Bolivia’s runoff mechanism since its 2009 Constitution.
  • Luis Arce denounced an alleged “golpe a la democracia” from segments of the legislature, pointing to a refiled bill by Senator Pedro Benjamín Vargas to extend mandates and suspend electoral authorities.
  • Arce also cited a proposed commission to investigate alleged fraud in the August 17 first round and a move to change the lower house leadership, warning these steps could be used to halt the vote as he reaffirmed plans to transfer power on November 8.
  • The European Union Election Observation Mission announced it will oversee the second round to provide an independent and impartial assessment.
  • A Ciesmori poll for Unitel reports Quiroga leading 47% to 39.3% in vote intention, projecting 54.5% of valid votes for him, as campaign tensions rise following a vice-presidential debate dominated by accusations.