Bolivia has elected a centrist senator, Rodrigo Paz, as its next president, bringing an end to nearly 20 years of continuous rule by the Movement for Socialism (Mas) party.
With almost all votes counted, Paz, of the Christian Democratic Party, defeated right-wing candidate Jorge Tuto Quiroga in Sunday’s run-off election with a share of 54.6%.
A severe economic crisis and infighting within Mas, which has dominated Bolivian politics since 2006, saw many voters wanting change.
Paz has said he will end fuel shortages and address Bolivia’s wider economic problems. In his victory speech, he stated he would open up Bolivia to wider international investment and stimulate private-sector growth.
Paz, 58, went from being a surprise frontrunner in the first round of the election in August to achieving a clear win over Tuto Quiroga, who received 45.4% of the votes in the run-off.
The candidate for Mas did not make it into the run-off.
Paz is perceived as relatively moderate and centrist compared to his opponent, making him more attractive to undecided and disillusioned left-leaning voters, who desired change but did not want to cast their vote for Quiroga.
Quiroga has conceded defeat and has called his rival to congratulate him.
Paz’s supporters took to the streets of La Paz, the country’s administrative capital, to celebrate the result.
One of them told AFP news agency, We came to celebrate the victory with great hope of a new direction for Bolivia.
Bolivia is grappling with severe shortages of fuel leading to long queues at petrol stations, a shortage of US dollars, and soaring inflation. Natural gas exports, once a major source of revenue for Bolivia, have also plummeted.
Paz campaigned with the slogan capitalism for all, promising free-market reforms and a commitment to assist the poorest in society with social programs.
He pledged to ease access to credit for small businesses, lower certain taxes, reduce import tariffs, crack down on corruption, and decentralize the government.
Paz has made it clear that once in power, he plans to cut fuel subsidies, which he claims are unsustainable.
The subsidies have kept fuel prices relatively low but because they mean that fuel is being sold at prices below import costs, they have led to shortages and huge queues at pumps.
Bolivia has been relatively isolated on the world stage in recent years, but Paz's election victory could signal a thawing of relations between Bolivia and the United States, which have not had a formal diplomatic relationship since 2008.
Reacting to Paz’s election win, the US State Department expressed hope to partner with him to restore economic stability, expand private-sector growth, and strengthen security. Once in office, Paz may distance the country from allies like Venezuela and Cuba to rebuild relations with the US.
Paz's choice of running mate, former police captain Edman Lara, who is known for his humble background and whistleblowing on police corruption, helped attract working-class voters frustrated with government corruption.
Morales, who governed from 2006 to 2019, was disqualified from running in this election due to a ruling that limits presidents to two terms in office. PMS’s diminishing popularity came during bitter divisions between Morales and the current president, Luis Arce.
Paz will take office on 8 November 2025, tasked with restoring economic credibility and unifying a country divided by years of political turmoil.
