Mon Aug 18 04:35:35 UTC 2025: ## Bolivia Heads to Run-Off as Centrist Paz Surges in Surprise Election Results

**La Paz, Bolivia** – Bolivia is poised for a presidential run-off election on October 19th after preliminary results showed a surprising lead for centrist Rodrigo Paz, effectively ending the reign of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party that has governed the country since 2005.

With over 91% of ballots counted, Paz of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) leads with 32.8% of the vote. He will face conservative Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the Alianza Libre coalition, who garnered 26.4% of the vote, in the second round. No candidate secured the necessary 50% of the vote or 40% with a 10-point margin to claim victory outright.

The outcome marks a significant shift in Bolivian politics. Al Jazeera’s Latin America Editor Lucia Newman noted that the early results confirm the end of MAS influence, and that the unexpected frontrunner, Paz, had previously polled much lower.

While pre-election polls favored Quiroga and businessman Samuel Doria Medina, the son of former left-leaning President Jaime Paz secured the lead. The exclusion of former President Evo Morales from the race and the decision by outgoing President Luis Arce not to run contributed to a fractured left-wing coalition.

Bolivia is grappling with its worst economic crisis in a generation, characterized by nearly 25% annual inflation, shortages of US dollars and fuel, and widespread public discontent. Protests over rising prices and shortages have been common in the lead-up to the election.

The economic woes stem from a decline in gas revenues, a critical source of income for the country. While Morales oversaw a period of strong economic growth and poverty reduction by nationalizing the gas sector, a lack of investment in new gas projects has led to a sharp decline in revenue.

Official election results are expected within seven days. Voters will also elect all 26 senators and 130 deputies, with officials assuming office on November 8th. The run-off election will determine the future of Bolivia as it navigates its economic challenges and seeks a path forward.

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