Overview
- The electoral authority reported Rodrigo Paz defeated Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga roughly 54.5% to 45.5%, with his inauguration set for November 8.
- Bolivia faces a severe crunch from falling gas exports, a shortage of dollars, chronic fuel scarcity, and annual inflation above 23%.
- Paz lacks an outright majority and must forge alliances despite holding the largest bloc with 49 deputies and 16 senators.
- He campaigned on a “capitalism for all” program that prioritizes cutting fuel subsidies, enforcing budget discipline, and attracting private investment.
- Analysts warn that subsidy rollbacks could trigger protests, while the United States has signaled readiness to engage, pointing to a foreign-policy shift.