Bolivia: Interim President Unlikely to Win Election
Background: On October 20, Bolivia elected incumbent President Evo Morales to a fourth presidential term. Preliminary results necessitated a runoff election, however, after a delay of the vote count, Morales emerged with an outright victory. [i] On October 21, the European Union and the Organization of American States expressed concern over the delay with the European Union stating the unanticipated interruption “sparked serious concerns that need to be fully and swiftly addressed.” [ii] On October 22, Bolivian protesters began demonstrations in La Paz, the nation’s administrative capital, drawing police response. [iii] Protests spread to other major cities and rapidly escalated, resulting in two deaths. On November 10, President Morales resigned due to military leaders and police officials demanding his withdrawal. [iv] In addition to President Morales, the top four officials in the chain of succession also resigned, leaving the presidency to Second Vice President of the Senator Jeanine Anez until January 22. [v] On November 13, Senator Anez was sworn in as interim president. [vi]
Jeanine Anez will unlikely be the next Bolivian president due to remaining support for Evo Morales. A peaceful transition of power is likely, while military leaders can be expected to partake in the election. An election must take place within 90 days in accordance with the Bolivian constitution.
After Anez assumed presidency, Morales supporters initiated violent protests on November 13th. [vii]
Evo Morales have given hopes to his supporting protesters make the statement, “If my people ask, we’re ready to go back. We’ll return sooner or later… to pacify Bolivia.” [viii]
Those against Anez’s interim presidency have argued that her self-appointment to this decision was illegal. After legislators from Morales’ party declined to appoint her to the position, Anez used a constitutional clause that allows her to assume the position as the Second Vice President of the Senator to appoint herself. [ix]
Bolivia’s opposition says that this action was illegal because Congress did not formally accept Morales’ resignation; therefore, he is still the Bolivian president. [x]
Sources
[i].“A Guide to 2019 Latin American Elections: Bolivia.” America Society and Council of the Americas, November 10, 2019. https://www.as-coa.org/content/guide-2019-latin-american-elections/bolivia.
[ii]. Youkee, Mat. “Bolivia Braces for Fresh Protests as Officials Say Evo Morales Close to Victory.” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, October 22, 2019. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/21/bolivia-confusion-over-election-results-sparks-fear-and-protests.
[iii]. Machicao, Monica. “Bolivian Protesters Flood Capital as Morales Whisker Away from Outright Victory.” Reuters. Thomson Reuters, October 23, 2019. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bolivia-election/bolivian-protesters-flood-capital-as-morales-whisker-away-from-outright-victory-idUSKBN1X11RB.
[iv]. “Bolivian President Evo Morales Resigns amid Fraud Poll Protests.” BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation, November 10, 2019. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-50370013.
[v]. Andone, Dakin. “Evo Morales Resigns in Bolivia. Here's What You Need to Know.” CNN. Cable News Network, November 11, 2019. https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/11/americas/bolivia-morales-resignation-q-and-a-intl/index.html.
[vi]. “Jeanine Anez Declares Herself Interim President of Bolivia.” NBCNews.com. NBCUniversal News Group, November 13, 2019. https://www.nbcnews.com/video/jeanine-anez-declares-herself-interim-president-of-bolivia-73382469592?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_nw.
[vii]. Slatter, Gram and Daniel Ramos. “Morales’ shadow looms large in Bolivia as clashes test new leader”. Reuters. Thomson Reuters, November 13, 2019. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bolivia-election/new-bolivian-leader-seeks-quick-vote-foes-plan-disruptions-idUSKBN1XN1XC.
[viii] “Violence Flares Anew in Bolivia Amid Political Turmoil”. VOA News, November 13, 2019. https://www.voanews.com/americas/violence-flares-anew-bolivia-amid-political-turmoil.
[ix]. Slatter, Gram and Daniel Ramos. “Morales’ shadow looms large in Bolivia as clashes test new leader”. Reuters. Thomson Reuters, November 13, 2019. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bolivia-election/new-bolivian-leader-seeks-quick-vote-foes-plan-disruptions-idUSKBN1XN1XC.
[x]. Slatter, Gram and Daniel Ramos. “Morales’ shadow looms large in Bolivia as clashes test new leader”. Reuters. Thomson Reuters, November 13, 2019. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bolivia-election/new-bolivian-leader-seeks-quick-vote-foes-plan-disruptions-idUSKBN1XN1XC.
