Nearly 8 million out of 11.3 million Bolivians will head to the polls today to vote for a new president, vice president and parliament, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
The conservative opposition candidates are leading in the polls, which indicates that a change of power after nearly 20 years of left-wing rule is entirely possible.
The political scene in the country has been characterized for months by the struggle for power between former President Evo Morales (who ruled from 2006 to 2019) and his successor Luis Arce. Incumbent President Arce is not seeking re-election, and Morales was barred from running by a court order.
Bolivia, one of the poorest countries in South America, is struggling with a deep economic crisis marked by a shortage of foreign currency, fuel shortages, record inflation, and growing public discontent. This dissatisfaction may benefit the opposition - the leading contenders are conservative ex-president Jorge Quiroga (2001-2002) and businessman Samuel Doria Medina.
The most promising candidates from the left side of the political spectrum are considered to be the president of the Senate (the upper house of parliament) Andronico Rodriguez and former interior minister Eduardo del Castillo.
The electoral authorities have set a goal of counting 80% of the votes the evening after election day.
According to analysts, none of the candidates will achieve the necessary majority to win in the first round of voting. A runoff is scheduled for October 19.
The winner of the presidential election will take office for a five-year term in November.
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