Evo Morales maintains a robust support base in Lauca Ene, Bolivia, where he is evading legal challenges. Despite a court ruling barring him from a fourth term, he plans to return to La Paz to register his candidacy, warning of possible unrest among supporters. The community’s loyalty to Morales highlights growing political tensions in Bolivia.
As evening descends, approximately 500 Indigenous supporters gather in the small Bolivian village of Lauca Ene, raising their spears in unison while chanting, “Long live Evo Morales!” The former president, who held power from 2006 to 2019, holds considerable sway in this coca-producing region where local governance hinges on his approval. Morales’ influence radiates across the tropical Cochabamba area, a region teeming with lush forests and waterways, housing around 260,000 inhabitants.
Lauca Ene has become Morales’ sanctuary, where he has been evading an arrest warrant, recently complicated by conflicting court rulings surrounding his legal troubles regarding allegations of child abuse. Morales, now 65, faces accusations of fathering a child with a minor during his presidency. He vehemently denies the charges, claiming it’s nothing more than “judicial persecution” aimed at undermining him.
In contrast to the tense atmosphere surrounding Morales’ stronghold, nearby clinics and government services operate without disruption, and police are careful to maintain a distance from the fervently loyal coca growers who dominate Lauca Ene. “We’ll be here until our brother Evo Morales is in the presidency,” proclaimed 54-year-old farmer Willy Alvarado, emphasizing the community’s unyielding dedication.
The former leader, who continues to charm and mobilize his followers, sat down with AFP in his simple workspace, dismissing the notion that he is barred from running for president again due to the two-term limit. He confidently asserted, “I am legally and constitutionally qualified,” while announcing plans to travel to La Paz on May 16 to register for his anticipated fourth term.
Morales warned that rejecting his candidacy could provoke significant unrest among his supporters, reminiscent of past protests which turned violent. Local farmer Zenobia Taboada echoed this sentiment, saying, “If they touch brother Evo, the people will come out right away,” highlighting the potential for strong mobilization if Morales faces more legal challenges.
Despite the external normalcy, within Lauca Ene, Morales’ loyalists maintain vigilant patrols around the clock. Most supporters reside close by, providing an unbreakable barrier, manned by everyday community members who take turns on watch duty. Vicente Choque, a local coca grower, noted, “I have arrows, my companions have spears and shields, in case.”
At the roadblock leading into the village, an elaborate makeshift barricade, worn yet sturdy, has been established. Zenobia Andia, who traveled 60 miles to patrol, expressed disappointment in the current administration led by Morales’ former ally, President Luis Arce. She lamented, “We were on top and we’ve fallen down” while expressing a deep desire to “recover what we had” under Morales’ leadership.
Interestingly, the community’s heightened commitment underscores a growing polarization in Bolivian politics, where past allegiances can transform into deep-rooted rivalries, particularly in the wake of economic turmoil affecting the nation. Political tension continues to brew, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for Morales and whether he can reclaim his former position in the nation’s political sphere.
Evo Morales continues to exercise significant influence in Lauca Ene, where he has established a stronghold despite legal challenges. His supporters remain ready to mobilize if he is denied a chance at a fourth term, reflecting the potent political tensions in Bolivia. With contrasting views on the current administration under Luis Arce, the political landscape is increasingly charged, hinting at possible unrest should Morales face additional adversity.
Original Source: www.kten.com
