Bolivia’s Constitutional Court Confirms Andrónico Rodríguez’s Candidacy as Authorities Address Electoral Protests

The Plurinational Constitutional Court (TCP) of Bolivia has authorized Andrónico Rodríguez’s candidacy while revoking Evo Morales’ party status, intensifying political tensions as the government files criminal charges against Morales for alleged electoral crimes and terrorism.

In a decisive move for Bolivia’s upcoming elections, the Plurinational Constitutional Court (TCP) has ordered the registration of candidates from the Third System Movement (MTS), confirming Andrónico Rodríguez and Mariana Prado’s participation under the Popular Alliance.

At the same time, the court reaffirmed the cancellation of the National Action Party’s (PAN-BOL) legal status, under which former President Evo Morales had intended to run, effectively barring his candidacy.

The TCP’s ruling was announced by Dean Yván Espada, who stated, “The Constitutional Court has decided to maintain the Third System Movement’s registration and authorization to participate in this August’s elections.”

While the MTS candidacies remain valid, the court also granted a precautionary measure upholding the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s decision to cancel PAN-BOL’s legal status. Evo Morales responded by condemning what he called an “imperial plan” executed through a court that “acts as a sniper: it restricts and enables electoral participation upon request,” warning that the mission is to “hand over the government to the right and legitimize the election with negotiated candidates who can protect their backs”.

Amid escalating tensions, Bolivian Justice Minister César Siles announced that the government will file a criminal complaint against Morales, accusing him of terrorism, public incitement to commit crimes, disobedience of constitutional resolutions, and obstructing electoral processes, among other charges.

The accusations stem from ongoing roadblocks and protests led by Morales’ supporters, which have disrupted food and fuel supplies in several regions and entered their second week. Siles argued, “The purpose of the blockades is to force a candidacy. Mr. Morales’ actions fully demonstrate the electoral crime.”

The government’s legal action follows the leak of an audio recording allegedly featuring Morales calling for national unrest and the siege of major cities. Morales has denied the authenticity of the recording, accusing authorities of media manipulation and political persecution. Meanwhile, Government Minister Roberto Ríos accused Morales of “showing his true colors” by promoting protests for destabilizion purposes, stating, “He talks about social welfare, but deep down, he wants to stage a coup d’état”.

Bolivia: Electoral Tribunal Upholds Disqualification of Evo Morales’ Presidential Candidacy

Segunda semana de movilizaciones de sectores afines a ex Pdte. Evo Morales por no habilitación de Morales como candidato a la presidencia. Exigen renuncia de Pdte. Luis Arce: 1. Héctor Arce, diputado afín a ex Pdte. Evo Morales. 2. Ex Pdte. Evo Morales. @teleSURtv pic.twitter.com/XLIyitycSM
— Freddy Morales (@FreddyteleSUR) June 4, 2025

The text reads: “Second week of mobilizations by sectors aligned with former President Evo Morales due to his disqualification as a presidential candidate. The following individuals demand the resignation of President Luis Arce: 1. Héctor Arce, deputy aligned with former President Evo Morales; 2. former President Evo Morales.
@teleSURtv

The “Evista” protests, now in their second week, have led to significant shortages and mounting pressure on President Luis Arce’s administration. Protesters demand Arce’s resignation and Morales’ approval as a candidate for the 2025 elections, deepening the nation’s political crisis.

(Telesur – English)