By teleSUR – Aug 19, 2025
This Sunday marked a significant and unfortunate turning point for the political landscape of Bolivia.
The detrimental division among the country’s popular and leftist forces has inadvertently opened doors for right-wing candidates.
The Bolivian Electoral Tribunal has announced that right-wing candidates Rodrigo Paz and Jorge Quiroga will compete in the second round of the presidential election.
#BreakingNews I The Bolivian Electoral Tribunal announces that right-wing candidates Rodrigo Paz (1,561,620 votes) and Jorge Quiroga (1,311,988 votes) will compete for the presidency of the South American country in the second round pic.twitter.com/A0W0YQ1xhI
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) August 18, 2025
The Origins and Political Career of Rodrigo Paz
Rodrigo Paz was born on September 22, 1967, in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, during a period when his family was exiled due to the military dictatorships in Bolivia.
He is the son of former President Jaime Paz Zamora, who governed under the influence of dictator Hugo Banzer.
Paz began his political career in 2002, serving as a deputy for two terms. He later became a councilman and then the mayor of Tarija in 2015, a city in southern Bolivia.
His mayoral tenure was marked by controversy, with public works projects facing criticism for overpricing and flawed execution.
Throughout his campaign, Paz has made several sexist remarks and voiced opposition against laws protecting women victims of gender violence.
Furthermore, his running mate, Edman Lara, a former police captain, was dismissed in 2024 due to disciplinary actions, despite presenting himself as an “anti-corruption whistleblower.”
A Glimpse into Jorge Quiroga’s Background
Jorge Quiroga Ramirez, born in Cochabamba on May 5, 1960, is an engineer and business administrator educated at universities in the United States.
Quiroga began his public career under the guidance of Hugo Banzer, who ruled Bolivia as a dictator from 1971 to 1978 and later ran for president, assuming office in 1997 with Quiroga as his vice president.
At 65 years old, Quiroga’s neoliberal profile and proposals are centered around the privatization of public enterprises, something he already did in 2001 when he became the interim president after Banzer’s resignation.
During his administration, he imposed radical neoliberal economic policies, which led to increased poverty in the country.
Quiroga has run unsuccessfully for the presidency in 2005, 2014, and 2020. In 2019, he played a role in the coup d’état that ousted Evo Morales’ government, resulting in over 30 fatalities during repressive actions by the de facto authorities.
The Consequences of Leftist Division
The fragmentation within Bolivia’s left-wing factions has paved the way for right-wing candidates to possibly seize power.
This political scenario is particularly alarming given the backgrounds and political ideologies of Paz and Quiroga.
The division of the left has not only fragmented voter support but has also diluted the strength and unity that could have been pivotal in presenting a formidable opposition to the right.
Historically, a unified left has been essential in advocating for policies that protect the working class, indigenous communities, and marginalized groups in Bolivia.
The current split undermines these efforts and increases the vulnerability of these populations to right-wing policies.
Division Among Grassroots Forces Paves Way for Runoff Between Right-Wing Candidates in Bolivia
Implications for Bolivia’s Future
The potential of a right-wing regime under either Paz or Quiroga carries significant implications for Bolivia’s socio-economic landscape.
Both candidates represent neoliberal ideologies, favoring privatization and austerity measures that historically have not boded well for the country’s majority.
Rodrigo Paz’s tenure as mayor and his controversial measures raise concerns about transparency, governance, and the prioritization of public welfare.
His past actions and campaign rhetoric suggest a lack of commitment to gender equality and social justice, which are crucial for Bolivia’s progressive agenda.
Jorge Quiroga’s history with privatization and neoliberal policies points towards a possible repeat of economic strategies that have previously impoverished the nation.
His involvement in the 2019 coup further complicates his image, raising questions about democratic integrity and human rights under his potential leadership.
A Move Away From Social Justice
The upcoming presidential runoff in Bolivia underscores the critical need for unity amongst leftist and progressive forces.
The division has provided an opening for right-wing candidates whose policies and past actions suggest a move away from inclusive development and social justice.
For Bolivia to safeguard its democratic values and ensure the well-being of its citizens, especially the marginalized, it is imperative for the left to reconcile and present a united front.
The current electoral scenario serves as a reminder of the consequences of division and the urgent need for collaboration among progressive factions to counteract the rise of right-wing influences.
The future of Bolivia hangs in the balance, and the outcome of this election will undoubtedly shape the nation’s trajectory for years to come.
It is a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize unity and collective action in the face of political adversity.
