At least four people have died during protests in Bolivia, where supporters of former President Evo Morales have clashed with government forces. The unrest comes as the country prepares for elections, raising tensions across the nation.
Justice Minister Cesar Siles confirmed that among the deceased were three police officers and one firefighter, all of whom were first responders. Reports indicate that some of them were shot during the demonstrations. The protests have been fueled by frustration over Bolivia’s struggling economy and Morales’s inability to run in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for August 17.
The demonstrations are particularly intense in rural areas, where Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous leader, has strong support. He served as president from 2006 to 2019 and was known for his efforts to reduce poverty. However, his time in office was also marked by accusations of authoritarianism. In 2016, a constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to seek a fourth term was rejected by voters. Despite this, Morales managed to run in the 2019 election, which led to a political crisis and his temporary exile following allegations of fraud.
In recent developments, Bolivian courts have upheld a two-term limit for the presidency, blocking Morales from participating in the 2025 race. He has accused the government of violating his rights, and his supporters have responded by blocking roads and engaging in skirmishes with security forces.
Siles remarked that the situation has escalated beyond civilian protests, describing the demonstrators as armed paramilitary groups. Local reports indicate that tanks have been deployed to Llallagua, the epicenter of the unrest. Business owners in the area have expressed their frustrations, noting that the protests have severely disrupted daily life and commerce.
Morales, in a social media statement, attributed the unrest to poor government policies and the collapse of the economic model he once championed. He warned that without significant change, Bolivia could face a complete economic breakdown.
Meanwhile, the electoral tribunal recently ruled that Andronico Rodriguez, a leftist Senate leader and Morales ally, could run in the upcoming election, despite earlier restrictions. However, Morales himself remains barred from the ballot, which has angered his loyal supporters. Many blame the current administration, led by President Luis Arce, for the economic challenges facing the country, including high inflation and dwindling currency reserves.
As the situation unfolds, Bolivia finds itself at a crossroads, with deep divisions within the ruling party and growing unrest among the populace. The coming weeks will be critical as the country grapples with these challenges ahead of the elections.