Bolivia

Bolivia: Evo Morales Disqualified From Presidential Race

MAY 21 2025·Updated MAY 23 2025

Story

Above: Former Bolivian President Evo Morales gestures as he speaks during the presentation of his government's program in Lauca Eñe, Chapare Province, on April 27, 2025. Image credit: Aizar Raldes/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

Bolivia's Supreme Electoral Tribunal barred former President Evo Morales from running in the Aug. 17 presidential election in a technical decision issued on Tuesday, the deadline for candidates to register with the election authorities.
ap
Mercopress
According to the electoral court secretary, this comes as Morales filed his papers through Evo Pueblo, which has no official party status, and Pan-Bol, which had its legal status revoked earlier this month for not securing 3% of the vote in the previous elections, meaning that he failed to fulfill the requirements.
Mercopress
Even if an official party had hosted his candidacy, Morales' disqualification had been expected as a constitutional court in Bolivia effectively barred him from the race after upholding a ban on citizens running for more than two presidential terms.
ap
Reuters
As Bolivia's first Indigenous president, Morales was in charge of the country for three terms between 2006 and 2019. He is in Chapare and faces some legal issues, including an arrest warrant related to allegations of child trafficking, and has warned that protests would escalate if he were not allowed to run for top office.
Mercopress
Bloomberg.com
Reuters
A candidate roster was published on Tuesday with 10 names, including leftist Senate President Andrónico Rodríguez and center-right Samuel Doria Medina, and Eduardo del Castillo — an ally of Morales' protégé-turned-rival President Luis Arce. Resignations are possible up to 45 days ahead of the election, and substitutions can take place up to three days before the vote.
Bloomberg.com
Reuters
Rodríguez had his candidacy registered but remains in limbo pending a hearing on the legality of his leftist political alliance in the Supreme Court, the Alianza Popular, which is set to be held on Wednesday.
ap
Bloomberg.com
Reuters

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Left narrative

The disqualification of Morales represents a calculated political maneuver disguised as a legal procedure. Massive protests, with over 3 million people marching from El Alto to La Paz, have shown the overwhelming public support for his candidacy. Yet, political elites in Bolivia are exploiting judicial mechanisms to eliminate strong opposition candidates, in a threat to the very foundations of democratic representation.

teleSUR English

Right narrative

Morales' attempt to circumvent term limits through dubious legal loopholes exemplifies his disregard for constitutional order. His voluntary resignation some years ago following election fraud allegations, coupled with current legal troubles, clearly demonstrates his unfitness for office. This decision upholds democratic principles and prevents the perpetuation of authoritarian tendencies.

Breitbart