Bolivia’s political landscape has undergone a dramatic shift with a landmark ruling from the country’s constitutional court. The court has barred former President Evo Morales from seeking re-election, effectively ending his political ambitions. This decision marks a new chapter in Bolivia’s long-running political crisis, which has seen turmoil and unrest in recent years.
The court’s ruling, delivered last week but reported on Friday, rests on the principle of presidential term limits. It states that presidents can only serve a maximum of two terms, regardless of whether they are consecutive or non-consecutive. This effectively bars Morales from running again, as he previously served two terms before seeking a third term in 2019, which was allowed due to a constitutional rewrite at the time.
Morales’ tenure as president was tumultuous, marked by both economic growth and accusations of authoritarianism. He fled the country in 2019 after the results of the 2019 elections were disputed and widespread protests erupted. His successor, Luis Arce, a former mentee and now political rival, was elected in 2020.
The court’s ruling has drawn mixed reactions. Opposition lawmakers are celebrating the decision, seeing it as a path towards a more stable and democratic future. “Without a doubt this ushers in a new era of politics in Bolivia,” opposition lawmaker Marcelo Pedrazas told journalists on Friday. “In 2025, we’ll have an election without Evo Morales on the ballot.”
However, Morales’ supporters have denounced the ruling as politically motivated, claiming it is an attempt to sideline their leader and the MAS party. Morales’ lawyer, Orlando Ceballos, described the decision as “getting rid of MAS, to disqualify Evo.” He added that they would appeal to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
The tensions between Morales and Arce have been simmering for some time, with Morales’ supporters staging protests in recent weeks, including roadblocks and raids on military bases. Morales himself has called for peaceful dialogue with the government, but also staged a nearly week-long hunger strike to protest what he perceives as political persecution by Arce’s administration.
The political landscape in Bolivia remains uncertain. The court’s decision has undoubtedly shaken the country’s political foundations, and the upcoming 2025 elections will be a crucial test of how the nation navigates its turbulent political waters. The extent to which Morales remains a powerful force in Bolivian politics and the role of the opposition in shaping the future of the country remain key questions to be answered.
