Sucre [Bolivia], October 21: Bolivia is set for a political shift after Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira won the presidential run-off on Sunday, according to preliminary results.
The candidate of the centrist Christian Democratic Party secured around 55% of the vote after nearly all ballots were counted - described by the electoral authority as an "irrevocable lead." His victory ends almost two decades of left-wing governments in the country, long dominated by the power struggle between former president Evo Morales and outgoing head of state Luis Arce of the left-wing Movement for Socialism (MAS).
"Today Bolivia can be sure that this will be a government that delivers solutions," he said in his victory speech to supporters in the city of La Paz. "Bolivia will gradually regain its international role." Paz's run-off opponent, former president Jorge Quiroga of the right-wing Libre - Liberty and Democracy alliance, congratulated the 58-year-old economist but said he would wait for the official results.
The new president is set to take office in November for a five-year term.
Bolivia is in the midst of a deep economic crisis. Fuel and foreign currency shortages, high inflation and scarce medicines are part of everyday life.
Costly subsidies, particularly for fuel, have heavily strained the national budget. The country, home to around 12 million people, is among South America's poorest, with rural and indigenous communities especially hard hit.
Former president Morales was barred by constitutional rules from seeking re-election. Arce withdrew from the presidential race amid declining popularity.
The political shift is also drawing international attention. Bolivia holds the world's largest lithium reserves - a key resource for batteries and electric vehicles. Under the previous left-wing government, investment moved slowly.
Paz has pledged a moderate government approach. He plans to implement institutional reforms, gradually open up the economy and introduce more targeted subsidies. In foreign policy, he seeks pragmatic relations with all partners - including a cautious rapprochement with the United States - while also deepening integration into regional blocs such as the Andean Community (CAN) and Mercosur.
"We must open Bolivia to the world," Paz said, concluding his speech with the words: "Long live the homeland, damn it!" - a phrase reminiscent of Argentine President Javier Milei's characteristic sign-off, "Long live freedom, damn it!"
Source: Qatar Tribune
