Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Rodrigo Paz Wins Bolivian Runoff, Ending MAS Era

His victory leaves him short of a legislative majority, setting up negotiations to govern.

Overview

  • Unofficial results show Paz taking roughly 54–55% in the Oct. 19 runoff over Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga.
  • His Christian Democratic Party will lead the new legislature without a majority, requiring cross-party compromise to pass reforms.
  • The election turned on a deep economic crisis marked by the highest inflation in decades, a dollar shortage, and long lines for fuel and basic goods.
  • Paz has pledged to review controversial lithium contracts signed with Chinese and Russian companies, a key decision for a country holding major reserves.
  • U.S. officials publicly congratulated Paz, and he signaled plans to rebuild ties with Washington.