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Centrist Rodrigo Paz and Jorge Quiroga Set for Bolivian Presidential Runoff

Runoff on Oct. 19 will decide whether Bolivia pursues austerity and foreign investment or chooses a centrist course.

Supporters throw confetti on former President Evo Morales after a meeting with a peasants' federation in the Chapare region of Bolivia, Aug. 17, 2025 (AP Photo by Jorge Saenz).
A man looks at newspapers front pages the day after presidential and legislative elections in La Paz, Bolivia, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Former President Evo Morales, who is promoting a null vote campaign on the presidential and legislative elections, embraces a woman at a restaurant in Lauca N, Chapare region, Bolivia, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)

Overview

  • Early official results give Paz 32.8% and Quiroga 26.4% of ballots with over 91% counted, falling short of the thresholds needed to win outright.
  • No candidate from the ruling Movement Toward Socialism party advanced as infighting, Morales’s disqualification and Arce’s withdrawal fractured the left.
  • Bolivia’s worst economic crisis in decades—driving inflation toward 25% and causing fuel and dollar shortages—prompted voters to punish the governing bloc.
  • About 19% of ballots were invalid or null after Evo Morales urged supporters to spoil their votes, underscoring deep polarization and the risk of unrest.
  • Quiroga has pledged sharp fiscal adjustments and to open lithium reserves to foreign investors, while Paz advocates moderate reforms and anti-corruption measures.