After nearly two decades of left-wing governments in Bolivia, the South American country is on the verge of political change, with today's second round of presidential elections deciding the country's future leadership, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
Since no candidate achieved the necessary majority in the first round of voting, Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party and former President Jorge Quiroga of the right-wing alliance “Liberty and Democracy“ are now facing each other.
Bolivia is mired in a deep economic crisis, with high inflation, shortages of fuel and foreign currency, as well as a lack of medicines.
Previous governments of the left-wing Movement for Socialism relied heavily on subsidies for years, straining the state budget. Rural and indigenous areas have been particularly affected, with social tensions and frequent protests.
Neither former President Evo Morales nor current President Luis Arce are running. Morales faces an arrest warrant while Arce has stepped down due to declining popularity.
The two opposition candidates are focusing on economic liberalization and moderate reforms: Paz Pereira seeks to facilitate investment and modernize institutions, while Quiroga plans liberalization, selective privatization, and a gradual reduction in fuel subsidies.
The electoral commission aims to count and publish 90% of the votes on election night. The winner will take office in November for a five-year term.