Bolivia’s Historic Runoff Election
Bolivia is preparing for its first presidential runoff election since returning to democracy in 1982, with conservative former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga facing centrist Senator Rodrigo Paz in what sources indicate could be a transformative moment for the South American nation. According to reports, neither candidate secured the required 50% majority in the August 17 first round, triggering the historic two-round system contest scheduled for October 19.
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Quiroga’s Economic Rescue Plan
Quiroga, who served as interim president from 2001-2002, is campaigning on what he describes as “dramatic, radical change” for Bolivia’s struggling economy. The report states that he told Reuters the country is “broke” and requires immediate intervention to address inflation at its highest levels since the 1980s and dwindling foreign reserves.
His proposed economic reforms include deep cuts to public spending, restructuring universal fuel subsidies to target only public transport and vulnerable groups, and what analysts suggest could be controversial moves to close or privatize loss-making state-owned companies. The former president also proposes eliminating certain ministries to reduce bureaucracy, though these measures reportedly risk alienating Bolivia’s Indigenous majority who remain skeptical of privatization after previous experiences with steep utility price increases.
Political Background and Alliances
Quiroga’s political career spans decades, having risen through the ranks to become finance minister in 1992 under President Jaime Paz Zamora – who happens to be the father of his current opponent. According to reports, Quiroga lost twice previously to former president Evo Morales, whose Movement to Socialism party suffered its biggest defeat in decades during the first round.
Sources indicate that Quiroga’s ability to govern effectively would depend on forming alliances, as his Alianza Libre party secured only 43 of 130 seats in the lower house and 12 of 36 Senate seats, trailing behind Paz’s party which holds 47 congressional seats and 16 in the Senate.
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Foreign Policy and Resource Management
The conservative candidate has outlined significant foreign policy shifts, reportedly aiming to thaw Bolivia’s frosty relations with Washington after years of alignment with China, Iran, and Russia. Quiroga joked about his international experience, stating “I speak Texan, not English,” referencing his education at Texas A&M University and work experience at IBM in Austin.
One of his most controversial proposals involves granting Bolivians individual ownership rights over state-controlled natural resources, including lithium and natural gas, through a mutual fund structure. Analysts suggest this approach to privatization could weaken state control over strategic resources that have traditionally been managed collectively.
Voter Sentiment and Electoral Prospects
Recent polling shows a tight race, with one October survey by Red Uno giving Quiroga a narrow lead of 42.9% against Paz’s 38.7%. However, sources indicate another poll showed a late swing toward Paz, with approximately 10% of undecided voters moving in his direction.
A September Ipsos Ceismori poll found that 59% of respondents viewed Quiroga as the candidate most capable of fixing the economy, though his challenge remains winning over voters who supported other candidates in the first round. According to reports, nearly 20% of first-round voters backed businessman Samuel Doria Medina, who placed third and was eliminated from the runoff.
One undecided voter, 33-year-old Gonzalo Gutierrez, who initially supported Medina, told Reuters from La Paz that while Quiroga “seems like the best candidate because of his experience, he doesn’t have my vote yet,” illustrating the uncertainty surrounding the election’s outcome.
This coverage is based on reporting from Reuters journalists and additional context from international news sources covering global economic and political developments.
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