A GUIDE TO
A Guide to 2019 Latin American Elections: Bolivia
After weeks of protests and turmoil sparked by a controversial October 20 vote that gave him a fourth term in office, Evo Morales resigned on November 10. Morales, Latin America’s longest continuously serving president, had overcome legal obstacles to get on the ballot in 2019 and run for a fourth, five-year term on the Movement toward Socialism ticket. This year, he was challenged by Carlos Mesa, a former journalist and historian who served as president from 2003 to 2005. After preliminary results indicated a runoff would take place, a complete count was delayed and, when resumed, showed Morales with enough support to secure an outright first-round win. The results led to nationwide protests that only intensified until Morales’ resignation.
Voters also elected 130 deputies and 36 senators to the 2020–2025 legislative session.
>> Find out about other elections in our main 2019 Election Guide.
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Fear, vendettas, and intrigue risk driving Bolivia’s presidential race more than the country’s everyday problems.
As Bolivia nears the scheduled October 18 vote, here is a look at the key players and the role they played in Evo Morales’ downfall.
In the wake of Evo Morales’ resignation, AS/COA Online’s Holly K. Sonneland talks with two experts about events on the ground.
Latin America’s longest continuously serving president stepped down November 10. AS/COA Online tracks events from election day through Morales’ resignation.
Days after the October 20 election and a delay in the final tally, counts gave Morales what he needs to avoid a runoff. But the controversy’s not over yet.
Carlos Mesa outperformed polls, indicating a likely runoff against Evo Morales. But official results are stalled.
The courts ruled that Evo Morales can run for a fourth consecutive term. Do Bolivians want him to?
Based on polls, it's possible that Evo Morales's party will lose the two-thirds majority in Congress but retain a slim absolute majority in both houses, writes AS/COA's Holly Sonneland in this Q&A.
Uncertainty at the polls and over the economy mark Bolivia’s Oct. 20 presidential elections.
Why Bolivia’s leading opposition candidate has lost momentum.
In his controversial push for a fourth term, Evo Morales faces another former president.
AS/COA Online takes a look at upcoming presidential races in Argentina, Bolivia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, and Uruguay.
El Alto, Bolivia, was key to Evo Morales' rise, and thrived during his three terms in office. Why is it turning against the president as he campaigns for a fourth?