Evo Morales in Lauca Ñ, Bolivia, November 6, 2024. Photo: Luis Gandarillas/EFE.
Groups of peasants, coca growers, miners, and MAS legislators are mobilizing from Parotani toward La Paz to register Evo Morales’ presidential candidacy despite the recent ban issued by the Constitutional Court.
This Wednesday in Parotani-approximately 40 kilometers from Cochabamba-delegations of peasants, coca producers, and miners who support former president Evo Morales gathered. From there, they began a land journey toward La Paz with the intention of formally submitting Morales’ presidential candidacy to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), despite the recent disqualification issued by the Plurinational Constitutional Court (TCP).
The march includes senators, deputies, councilors, and union leaders affiliated with the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS). The group is heading toward the headquarters of the Executive, Legislative, and Electoral branches in the country’s capital.
Police Presence and Leaders’ Statements
Although Morales was not present at the start of the mobilization, participants expressed concern over the significant presence of riot police in the area. However, security forces did not intervene to stop the march. Peasant leader Juanita Ancieta stated that the goal is to enter La Paz this Friday “with a large march,” led by Morales, whom she described as “the only candidate who represents the majority.”
La Constitución Política del Estado vigente en Bolivia no prohibe la reelección discontinua. El Art. 168 de nuestra CPE, establece: “El periodo de mandato de la Presidenta o del Presidente y de la Vicepresidenta o del Vicepresidente del Estado es de cinco años, y pueden ser…
— Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) May 14, 2025
Fragment of the text reads: The current Bolivian Political Constitution does not prohibit discontinuous reelection. Article 168 of our Constitution establishes: “The term of office of the President and Vice President of the State is five years, and they may be reelected ONLY ONCE CONTINUOUSLY.” The Plurinational Constitutional Court (TCP), with a majority of de facto judges (illegally self-prolonged), through Sentence 007/2025, establishes that no Bolivian citizen can be re-elected continuously or discontinuously, violating Art. 168 of the CPE, which only prohibits CONTINUOUS re-election.
Senator Leonardo Loza affirmed that Morales will join the caravan discreetly to avoid possible arrest. “Evo is with this caravan, protected by the people. We will not reveal his location or whether he takes alternate routes, but he is present,” he said.
Bolivia’s President Arce Declines to Run for Reelection (+Andrónico Rodríguez)
The TCP issued a ruling that bars Morales from running for president, arguing that presidential reelection-whether continuous or interrupted-is unconstitutional. In response, Morales stated on his X account that the Political Constitution of the State does not prohibit discontinuous reelection, citing Article 168, which establishes a five-year presidential term with the possibility of one continuous reelection.
#Ahora | Un contingente policial resguarda el sector Pirque Parotani, en la carretera Cochabamba-Oruro, ante el anuncio de la caravana de seguidores de Evo Morales a La Paz. Fotos: APG pic.twitter.com/x8taugDtsy
— Correo del Sur (@correodelsurcom) May 15, 2025
The text reads: #Now | A police contingent is securing the Pirque Parotani area on the Cochabamba-Oruro highway, following the announcement of the caravan of Evo Morales supporters heading to La Paz. Photos: APG
