Bolivia: Elections Amid Economic Crisis and Inflation

Bolivian citizens are heading to the polls to elect a president amidst a severe economic crisis. The election marks a potential shift in political dominance, with the right challenging the left's rule that began two decades ago with Evo Morales.

The Andean nation faces shortages of dollars and fuel, with inflation reaching nearly 25% annually, a 17-year record. Outgoing President Luis Arce, once a supporter of Morales, is not seeking re-election.

Two right-wing candidates, Samuel Doria Medina and Jorge Quiroga, are the frontrunners. Polls suggest they will compete in a second round on October 19. Both promise changes to the state model established by Evo Morales.

The decline in natural gas revenues since 2017 has exacerbated the economic crisis. Voters are also electing members of parliament.

Source: AΠΕ-ΜΠΕ-AFP-dpa