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The time of political uncertainty in Bolivia finally seems to be over: according to forecasts, the leftist candidate Arce had the most votes. The opposition has already acknowledged defeat.
By Ivo Marusczyk, ARD-Studio Buenos Aires
This time Bolivia is getting rid of a hangover after the elections. Days may pass before an official result is available, but there are no longer doubts about the electoral victory of left-wing candidate Luis Arce. Meanwhile, his most important rival candidate, former President Carlos Mesa, has also recognized Arce’s electoral victory.
According to Mesa, the poll forecasts are convincing and very clear. According to this, Arce, the candidate of the “Movement for Socialism” led by former President Evo Morales, won 52 to 53 percent of the vote. Mesa is around 20 percentage points behind. Figures are based on post-election polls.
Right-wing conservative interim president Jeanine Áñez has already congratulated Arce on her victory, as has the Organization of American States (OAS). A year ago, the organization reported evidence of fraud.
Student of former President Morales
In an impromptu press conference, Arce addressed the citizens of Bolivia: “We have taken an important step forward, we have recovered democracy and, above all, hope.” Arce promised to form a government of national unity.
The politician is considered to be the architect of the successful economic policy of Evo Morales. During the election campaign, however, he carefully kept his distance from his mentor. Morales claimed electoral victory from exile in Argentina for his party: “Brothers and sisters of Bolivia in the world, Lucho will be our president and the ‘Movement for Socialism’ will have a majority in both houses of parliament. We have recovered our country, too. we will regain stability, progress and peace. “
Year of protests
Bolivia has had a difficult year: the October 2019 elections ended amid allegations of fraud and a coup. An OAS report revealed signs of electoral fraud and Morales left the country and spoke of a coup. For a year, the democratically illegitimate right-wing politician Áñez ruled the country.
If the forecasts are confirmed, the time of political uncertainty would end. However, it will take some time before the official figures are available. The electoral authority had canceled the planned quick count on short notice, claiming that the systems had not passed the test.
Former President Morales left open whether he will return to Bolivia. Arce had stated that he could not deny the entry of any Bolivian to his country. However, there are several lawsuits against Morales, both political and private offenses are investigated.
