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Bolivia Votes in First Presidential Runoff, Signaling the End of MAS Rule

Voters confronted a deepening fuel-currency crisis that both campaigns vowed to tackle.

Overview

  • Pre‑election surveys by Ipsos‑Ciesmori showed Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga leading with roughly 44.9%–47% over Rodrigo Paz at about 36%–39%, though undecided voters kept the outcome uncertain.
  • Inflation above 23%, scarce dollars, and gasoline and diesel shortages led to long queues and disrupted transport and services, with reports that YPFB struggled to pay foreign suppliers.
  • The electoral tribunal said all polling sites would be supplied despite fuel constraints and introduced photographic tally transmission under EU and OAS observation to bolster transparency.
  • Quiroga proposed a US$12 billion multilateral financing plan to replenish foreign currency and stabilize fuel supply, while Paz argued for restructuring state budgets before pursuing new external credit.
  • Roughly 7.5–7.9 million citizens were called to vote from 9:00 to 17:00 Brasília time, with preliminary results expected Sunday night and the inauguration set for November 8.