Protests erupt in Bolivia after Rodrigo Paz declared president

Paz, a 58-year-old economist, secured 54.5% of the vote in Sunday’s second-round election, defeating former right-wing president Jorge Quiroga. The results, however, have sparked anger among segments of the population, who believe irregularities tainted the process.

Police peacefully disperse protests

In the capital La Paz, demonstrators shouting “fraud” tried to march towards the main square housing the presidential and parliamentary offices. Police dispersed the crowd peacefully, and no clashes were reported.

While Quiroga conceded defeat and congratulated Paz, he also stated that election records would be reviewed in the coming days amid mounting public pressure and unverified allegations circulating on social media.

Authorities deny irregularities

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), which officially announced the results on Sunday, strongly denied any misconduct. Its president, Oscar Hassenteufel, dismissed the allegations, stating that “the word fraud should be banned from Bolivia.”

Despite the official assurances, doubts remain among opposition supporters. Student Pablo Perez, 23, expressed his frustration, saying: “What is outrageous is that there was fraud and the vote was not respected.”

End of two decades of left-wing governance

Rodrigo Paz’s election signals a significant political change for Bolivia, ending 20 years of left-wing rule. His victory occurs as the country faces its worst economic crisis in forty years, a challenge that will likely test the new government’s ability to rebuild public trust and stabilise the economy.