Evo Morales plans to run in Bolivia’s presidential elections using a ‘borrowed’ party after being expelled from MAS, despite court rulings barring him from a fourth term. He expressed confidence in his chances, citing broad support. Currently, he faces serious legal allegations, which he claims are politically motivated. The Electoral Tribunal has set key deadlines for party registrations ahead of the elections.
Evo Morales, the former President of Bolivia, declared his intention to run in the presidential elections scheduled for August 17, utilizing a “borrowed” political party, following his expulsion from the Movement for Socialism (MAS) and despite judicial prohibitions against his candidacy for a fourth term. He emphasized the readiness to appeal to the international community if his registration is denied, claiming the right to run under Bolivian regulations.
Morales asserts that a 2023 constitutional ruling limiting the re-election to one time does not apply to him, referencing prior court decisions that allowed multiple terms. He previously served from 2006 to 2019 but resigned amid controversy over alleged electoral fraud that sparked widespread protests. Currently, he faces allegations of serious crimes, including sexual offenses, which he and his supporters dismiss as politically driven persecution.
After losing leadership of MAS to Grover García, Morales is forming a political alliance to participate in the upcoming elections and unveil the new party on Friday. He shared his governmental proposals, such as promoting private investment, tax reforms, and social programs while advocating for the cessation of fuel subsidies. Despite ongoing investigations into his conduct, he remains confident in his electoral support, stating, “If the elections were tomorrow, we would win with more than 60%,” linking his sustained popularity to his governance record.
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal has set April 18 as the deadline for party alliances and may for candidate registration. Morales’s recent political activities are occurring from his stronghold in the Tropic of Cochabamba region as he navigates ongoing legal challenges and factional conflicts within Bolivian politics, particularly with the current presidency of Luis Arce, who was once his ally but has since distanced himself from Morales’s influence.
Evo Morales served as Bolivia’s first indigenous president from 2006 until his resignation in 2019, following controversial elections marred by claims of fraud. Despite a court ruling in 2023 stipulating that re-election is limited to one term, he seeks to challenge this restriction by presenting himself as a candidate again. His political journey is intertwined with the MAS party, which has undergone conflicts since his departure from power. Morales’s return to Bolivia was facilitated by the election of Luis Arce, but their relationship has since deteriorated, creating a power struggle over party leadership.
The article outlines Evo Morales’s controversial bid for the presidency, highlighting his defiance against judicial rulings limiting his candidacy and the political maneuvering following his expulsion from MAS. Despite facing serious legal accusations, he maintains significant support and outlines a policy platform aimed at economic reforms and social investment, reinforcing his political ambitions amid ongoing conflicts and investigations.
Original Source: efe.com
