Bolivia’s long-dominant MAS party has suffered a historic defeat, with its presidential candidate winning just 3% of the vote. The result reflects deep frustration over the country’s economic crisis and political infighting. In a surprise outcome, Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira led the first round, followed by former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga. The two will be in a runoff on October 19. In this episode, we speak with Bolivian journalist Raúl Peñaranda about what sets these candidates apart, the future of the MAS, and whether the next president can revive the economy while navigating the country’s deep social and regional divisions.
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Guests:
Raúl Peñaranda is a journalist, editor of the news portal Brújula Digital and the president of the La Paz Association of Journalists.
Brian Winter is contributing editor for AQ
Supplemental reading:
REACTION: Bolivia’s Runoff: A Surprise Candidate Faces a Conservative by AQ editors
Bolivia: Meet the Candidates 2025 by Rich Brown
Bolivia Enters a Contentious New Political Landscape by Gustavo Pedraza
To Escape Economic Crisis, Bolivia Has a Painful Road Ahead by Raúl Peñaranda
