Evo Morales’ supporters protested in La Paz for his candidacy in upcoming elections. Clashes with police marked the rally, resulting in injuries on both sides. The Constitutional Court barred Morales from running, deepening political tensions as Bolivia faces an economic crisis. Despite legal hurdles and fears of arrest, Morales’ supporters remain steadfast in their loyalty to him.
Hundreds of supporters of Evo Morales, Bolivia’s former president, rallied on Friday, seeking his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections. This march to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal in La Paz quickly escalated into violent confrontations as police attempted to disperse the demonstrators. Clashes erupted when some protesters, armed with rocks, clashed with law enforcement officers deploying tear gas, indicating rising tensions in an already politically charged atmosphere.
The unrest followed a ruling by Bolivia’s Constitutional Court that effectively bars Morales—who served as the country’s first Indigenous president from 2006 to 2019—from running in the elections scheduled for August 17. This comes as Bolivia grapples with its worst economic crisis in over 40 years, intensifying the political stakes surrounding this decision. The court’s unanimous ruling reaffirmed a ban on presidents serving more than two terms, a limit Morales has exceeded.
As the protesters advanced, chanting slogans in support of Morales, they were met by barricaded roads and police forces. Reports indicated injuries among police, a journalist, and a merchant, further highlighting the chaotic atmosphere. Police Commander Juan Russo described the situation, stating, “They’re using firecrackers and rocks that are hurting our forces. This is not a peaceful march.” However, authorities haven’t confirmed any injuries among the protesters.
The situation is complicated by Morales’ controversial past regarding term limits. After losing a 2016 referendum designed to eliminate these restrictions, the Constitutional Court ruled in 2017 that barring him from running would infringe upon his human rights. Oscar Hassentoufel, the president of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, explained that despite the recent ruling, the tribunal will ultimately decide Morales’ eligibility should he attempt to register his candidacy.
In the wake of the court’s decision, Morales initiated this mass mobilization, rallying his supporters from rural Bolivia, who have historically backed him for his efforts to empower the Indigenous population. Morales, however, did not attend due to concerns of arrest on human trafficking charges, which he attributes to political motivations. The government has made it clear they would arrest him if found outside, further stoking tensions.
Despite Morales’ absence, loyal supporters filled the streets of La Paz, wearing masks of the former leader’s face. Marcher David Ochoa expressed solidarity, declaring, “Evo Morales is each and every one of us. If they want to detain Evo Morales they would need to take every one of us, too.” This highlights the passionate connection between Morales and his constituents as they navigate an uncertain political landscape.
The violent protests in Bolivia reflect deep divisions in the political landscape as supporters of Evo Morales clamor for his return to presidential eligibility. The ruling preventing him from running again raises questions about the integrity of the judicial system amid increasing economic strife. Morales remains a polarizing figure, and his absence from the rally underscores the tensions surrounding his potential future in Bolivian politics.
Original Source: apnews.com
