The growing pressure on Chile’s northern border

Over the past several years, Chile’s northern frontier has become one of the main migration routes into the country. Thousands of migrants, many travelling from Venezuela, Haiti and other parts of Latin America, have crossed through Bolivia before entering Chile via remote border points in the Andean plateau.

For Kast’s government, the situation represents a serious challenge to national security and state capacity. Officials argue that irregular crossings are linked not only to humanitarian migration but also to organised crime networks, including human trafficking, smuggling and drug transport routes operating across the Andean region.

The proposed border measures, therefore, go beyond a simple wall. The plan includes trenches, high fencing, electronic surveillance systems, drones and an expanded military presence along vulnerable sections of the frontier.

A difficult border to control

The border between Chile and Bolivia runs for roughly 860 kilometres across one of the most inhospitable landscapes in the world. Much of it cuts through high-altitude desert terrain in the Atacama Desert, where temperatures fluctuate dramatically, and infrastructure is scarce.

Policing such terrain has always been difficult. Even today, large sections of the frontier remain largely unmonitored.

For critics, this raises doubts about the practical effectiveness of building walls in such an environment . They argue that migration routes tend to adapt quickly to new barriers, often shifting to more remote or dangerous paths.

Regional and diplomatic implications

The proposal has also generated discussion in Bolivia, where some officials and analysts worry about the potential diplomatic impact of a heavily fortified border.

Relations between the two countries have long been shaped by historical tensions dating back to the War of the Pacific, which left Bolivia landlocked after losing its coastline to Chile.

Although trade and cross-border movement have continued in the decades since, the idea of a physical barrier raises concerns about the future dynamics of mobility and cooperation in the region.

At the same time, migration across the Andes is rarely a purely bilateral issue. Many migrants travelling through Bolivia have already crossed several countries before reaching Chile, making the phenomenon part of a much broader regional migration system.

The aircraft was transporting about 423 million bolivianos in newly printed bills destined for the Central Bank of Bolivia. When the plane veered off the runway and crashed onto a busy avenue, millions of banknotes were scattered across the street. Crowds quickly gathered, and some people rushed to collect the money, forcing police to disperse them with tear gas while authorities destroyed part of the cash to prevent it from entering circulation.

But the real turmoil came in the days that followed. Because the bills on board had not yet officially entered circulation, the Central Bank temporarily suspended the validity of certain Series B banknotes, particularly the 10, 20 and 50 boliviano denominations. The bank also published serial numbers linked to the shipment and warned that any notes matching those numbers would be considered invalid.

The decision, meant to protect the financial system, created widespread confusion across the country. Many businesses, transport operators and markets began rejecting all Series B banknotes, even those that were perfectly legal. As rumours spread, thousands of Bolivians rushed to banks to exchange their cash or verify whether the bills they carried were still valid.

To manage the situation, the Central Bank launched a digital verification system allowing citizens to check their money. By entering the serial number of a banknote online, users can confirm whether it belongs to the group of bills linked to the crash or if it remains valid for circulation. Officials emphasised that only a small portion of the notes involved in the accident were invalid, while the vast majority of Series B banknotes remain legal tender.

Even so, the crisis exposed how fragile everyday transactions can be when trust in cash is shaken. Vendors, taxi drivers and small businesses reported difficulties accepting certain bills, and many people turned increasingly to digital payments or bank transfers to avoid the uncertainty. Long queues formed outside banks as citizens tried to confirm the legitimacy of their money.

Weeks after the crash, the confusion has begun to ease as authorities clarify which notes are valid and businesses slowly resume accepting Series B bills. Yet the episode has left a lasting lesson: in a cash-dependent economy , even a brief disruption to the trust behind banknotes can ripple quickly through daily life, transforming a tragic accident into a nationwide economic headache.

To prevent stolen notes from entering circulation, the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) invalidated banknotes from the affected “Series B” batch and later published the serial number ranges linked to the crash. The BCB also set up an online serial-number verifier so the public can confirm whether a Bs10, Bs20 or Bs50 note has been invalidated.

The response, however, has also fuelled disruption in daily trade . Reports say some businesses and transport operators have refused to accept even legitimate “Series B” notes, forcing many Bolivians to queue at banks and the central bank to check and exchange cash.

Central bank chief David Espinoza has urged the public to cooperate and accept legal tender, warning that the crash-linked bills were identifiable and unauthorised. “The banknotes are not authorised for circulation… Anyone who holds these banknotes is committing a crime and must return them to financial institutions,” he said.

Investigators are still examining what caused the crash. The pilot told investigators the runway was icy and the brakes failed after landing, according to his lawyer.

Pilgrims advance towards the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Socavón, some on their knees in acts of promise and faith, while emblematic dances such as la diablada and la morenada reflect centuries of spiritual and cultural fusion. The carnival is both a religious pilgrimage and a national cultural expression with global recognition.

Gold prices have doubled over the past twelve months, reaching around five thousand dollars per troy ounce. Silver's climb has been even more dramatic. It rose from around $35 an ounce at the start of the year to a peak of $120 in January, before falling back to around $80. Even after that drop, silver is still up more than 250 percent over the year, outperforming almost every other asset.

What's going on?

The current surge began with central banks. After Russia was cut off from the global financial system following its invasion of Ukraine, many countries recognised a vulnerability. The US dollar dominates global reserves and trade, which makes it convenient but also exposes countries to political pressure. Nations including China, Turkey, India and several in the Middle East began looking for alternatives that could not be controlled by any single government. Gold became the obvious choice.

At the same time, the world experienced the sharpest inflation spike in decades. Supply chain disruptions, the energy crisis in Europe and lingering effects of the pandemic undermined confidence in currencies. Historically, these are the conditions in which gold performs well. When trust in money weakens, investors turn to something tangible.

Gold and silver are also not just stores of value. They are essential materials for modern technology. Electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and data centres all depend on them. Demand has risen quickly, but mining supply has not kept pace. Environmental concerns, rising costs and the long time it takes to develop new mines mean production cannot respond quickly to price signals.

Finally, there is a psychological element. As prices rise, fear of missing out draws in more investors. Media attention pulls in ordinary savers alongside hedge funds and central banks, pushing prices even higher.

Ghana and gold

Ghana’s relationship with gold stretches back over a thousand years. Long before modern states existed, gold from the region travelled across the Sahara. European traders later named the area the Gold Coast, a name that captured how central the metal was to the economy.

After independence, gold mining was nationalised, but mismanagement led to decline. Reforms in the 1980s revived the sector, and today gold is once again the backbone of the economy. In 2025, gold accounted for around 64 percent of export earnings, bringing in roughly $11.5 billion. Mining contributes more than a third of government revenue and supports millions of jobs, both formal and informal.

The recent price boom has brought visible benefits. Foreign reserves have stabilised, and the cedi has strengthened significantly against the dollar. This has helped reduce imported inflation, especially for fuel and food, which have been politically sensitive after years of economic hardship. For many Ghanaians, higher gold prices feel like a long-awaited breathing space .

But the boom has also intensified existing challenges. Informal and illegal mining has expanded, driven by the incentive of higher prices. Rivers have been polluted and landscapes damaged. In response, the government has created a Gold Board to tighten controls, capture value leaking out through smuggling and improve environmental enforcement. Special river guards have been trained, arrests have been made and monitoring has increased. Results so far are mixed, but there is recognition that without stronger regulation, the long-term costs could outweigh the short-term gains.

Bolivia and silver

Bolivia’s history with silver is inseparable from Potosí and the Cerro Rico mountain, which for centuries helped finance the Spanish Empire at immense human cost. After five hundred years of mining, the mountain itself is now at physical risk, with collapses a constant threat.

Bolivia remains a significant silver producer. In 2024, it produced around 1,300 metric tonnes and exported roughly $1.2 billion worth of silver ores and concentrates. Mining today is dominated by cooperatives that operate in a grey zone between formal and informal activity. These groups wield considerable political power and are central to ongoing debates about safety, environmental damage and state oversight.

Rising silver prices have brought mixed reactions. Higher incomes help mining communities survive, especially in regions like Potosí where alternatives are scarce. At the same time, weak regulation and limited enforcement capacity raise concerns about environmental degradation and labour conditions. Proposals have been floated to formalise cooperatives through financial incentives tied to environmental standards, but whether these reforms will be fully implemented remains uncertain.

For a country facing a severe foreign currency shortage and fuel crisis, silver offers potential relief. Studies suggest significant revenue gains are possible if the sector is better regulated, but this depends on political will and institutional capacity.

A temporary boom or lasting change?

Both Ghana and Bolivia are benefiting from high prices, but both face the same underlying question. Commodity booms rarely last forever. Prices will likely fall at some point. The real issue is whether today’s windfall can be converted into lasting economic stability, stronger institutions and environmental protection.

In Ghana, higher gold prices have helped stabilise the economy and given the government room to manoeuvre after a difficult period. In Bolivia, silver offers a chance to ease immediate pressures but also exposes long-standing structural problems.

The opportunity is real in both countries. So is the risk. Whether this moment becomes a turning point or just another chapter in the familiar boom-and-bust cycle depends on how governments act while prices are high.

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

Footage filmed by Viory on Friday, January 30, shows hundreds of dancers performing in brightly coloured, hand-embroidered costumes, accompanied by folkloric music and traditional choreography. Masks, percussion and elaborate outfits reflect ancestral beliefs and customs passed down through generations across the Andean region.

Local authorities highlight the festival’s role in preserving a shared cultural heritage that predates modern national borders. The traditions on display blend influences from what are now Chile, Bolivia and Peru, underscoring a common Andean worldview rooted in history , spirituality and community life.

First held officially in 2003, the carnival takes its name from the desert sun and the Andean sun god, a symbol of life and renewal. Today, it is recognised not only as a major tourist attraction but also as an important space for intercultural exchange and regional identity in northern Chile.

Footage from the fair shows stalls filled with tiny replicas of houses, cars, buildings, money and household goods, as visitors browse, purchase and prepare the miniatures for ceremonial blessings. The objects represent personal wishes, ranging from home ownership to financial stability.

“There are little cars, buildings, and money. So everything you can desire you can buy, and later you smoke it so that a year later it is fulfilled. But there always has to be faith,” said Giovana Quispe, a vendor at the fair.

As part of the Andean ritual, participants light incense, attach miniature accessories to figures and pour alcoholic drinks over statues of Ekeko as offerings while asking for blessings and good fortune. The Alasitas Fair was recognised by UNESCO in 2017 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Visitors moving through the fair encountered stalls filled with alasitas, miniature figures representing personal aspirations, alongside stones, candles and natural quartz. These objects form part of a belief system in which material symbols are used to give shape to desires, with the expectation that intention and ritual can help turn them into reality.

Now in its 27th edition, the fair reflects practices shared across the Peruvian–Bolivian highlands, where faith in miniatures and wishes has been passed down for generations. Vendors say the figures commonly represent homes, vehicles, family life or economic stability, mirroring the goals many people set at the beginning of a new year.

In addition to the miniatures, the fair offers cleansing baths, amulets and energy rituals aimed at attracting health , love, prosperity and success. For many participants, selecting an item marks the symbolic beginning of a process through which hopes for the coming year are activated.

The Fair of Wishes will remain open until early February, but its significance is closely tied to the New Year period. In a global context shaped by uncertainty and rapid change, the tradition stands as a distinctly Peruvian way of welcoming the year ahead through cultural continuity and collective belief.

The mobilisation was led by miners affiliated with the Departmental Federation of Mining Cooperatives of Cochabamba (Fidecomin), who marched towards the city centre to demand the immediate repeal of the decree. Protesters described the measure as unconstitutional and warned that it disproportionately affects low-income Bolivians who rely on subsidised fuel to sustain their daily livelihoods.

Speaking during the march, miners made clear that the repeal of Decree 5503 is their sole demand and signalled that the current protests could escalate. Union representatives said more forceful actions, including road blockades and broader mobilisations, remain under consideration if the government fails to respond.

Decree 5503 set new fuel prices at 6.96 bolivianos per litre for regular petrol, 11 bolivianos for premium petrol, and 9.80 bolivianos for diesel. The policy marks a significant shift in Bolivia’s long-standing fuel subsidy system and comes amid wider economic pressures facing the country.

The government has suggested that the protests may be driven by political motivations, a claim firmly rejected by demonstrators, who argue their demands are social and economic in nature . With mobilisations expected to continue, attention now turns to the executive branch, which faces mounting pressure to address opposition to the decree and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

The removal of subsidies, which until now kept fuel well below international market costs, will result in sharp increases in gasoline and diesel prices. Under the new regime, the cost of petrol and diesel is expected to rise substantially, with diesel climbing more than 160 per cent and petrol nearly doubling in price. At the same time, the government said it would maintain the price of liquefied petroleum gas to protect household budgets.

Paz described the elimination of fuel subsidies as part of an “economic and social emergency” and insisted the move does not mean abandonment of social commitments, but rather “order, justice and transparent redistribution” of resources. He also announced a 20 per cent increase in the national minimum wage and expanded social support measures intended, officials say, to cushion the impact on vulnerable groups.

The decision has drawn both support and criticism domestically. Some sectors welcomed the end of costly subsidies that drained the state coffers, which previously amounted to several billion dollars annually and argued the move could help reduce fiscal deficits and encourage private sector participation in fuel supply. Others, including labour groups and transport unions, have expressed strong opposition, staging demonstrations and strikes in major cities such as La Paz and Santa Cruz, as the higher fuel costs quickly rippled through public transport and other key services .

Internationally, Bolivia’s policy shift is being watched as part of a wider pattern in Latin America , where countries are grappling with the legacy of long-standing subsidies amid economic pressures including inflation, dollar shortages and budget deficits. For foreign investors and regional partners, the reforms signal a significant break with the previous two decades of fixed fuel pricing and a move towards market-oriented adjustments aimed at restoring fiscal health.

An example of this trend is Chile, where José Antonio Kast , a right-wing conservative, won the December 2025 presidential runoff with about 58% of the vote, defeating leftist candidate Jeannette Jara.

His victory marks one of the clearest rightward political shifts in the country since its transition to democracy in 1990, and places Chile alongside other South American states now governed by conservative leaders.

Kast joins leaders such as Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, and Argentina’s Javier Milei to show a regional shift away from leftist dominance.

The trend was further highlighted in October, when Bolivia elected centrist Rodrigo Paz, bringing nearly 20 years of socialist rule to an end.

Yet this rightward shift is not without its challenges and critics. Scholars like Ken Roberts, a professor at Cornell University, warned of potential political polarisation and institutional strains as new administrations push their agendas amid divided electorates ahead of the run-off.

“A Kast victory would reinforce the recent surge of right and far-right political actors in Latin America, who are strongly supported by the Trump Administration in the US. But it would also continue a much longer pattern of volatile anti-incumbent voting in Latin America's turbulent democratic waters. This latter pattern suggests that any political shift to the right in Chile and neighbouring countries is likely to encounter strong political headwinds and underlying fragilities in a regional context of acute polarisation and severely atrophied political institutions,” Roberts said.

The continent's electoral calendar continues with significant votes ahead in countries like Peru, Colombia and Brazil, and observers will be watching closely to see whether the current momentum carries forward or stalls.

Former president Luis Arce was ordered into five months of preventive detention at San Pedro prison in La Paz on corruption charges linked to alleged irregularities in the management of the Indigenous Development Fund when he served as economy minister under Evo Morales. A judge cited risks of obstructing the investigation and flight, rejecting appeals for release despite arguments about his health and age. Arce has declared himself “absolutely innocent” and called the move politically motivated, while his legal team has already appealed the decision. Police and prison authorities say his security and rights are being respected, with special attention to his health and isolated accommodation.

Flooding in Santa Cruz leaves communities in urgent need

Severe rains and flooding in the Santa Cruz region have killed at least three people and affected around ten communities, according to Vice-President Edman Lara. He described the situation as critical and called for urgent national support to assist displaced families and restore basic services . Roads, homes and farmland have been damaged, escalating concerns about food security and access to clean water. Local authorities are coordinating with national bodies to reach isolated areas and distribute emergency aid.

Bolivia emerges as world centre for dinosaur footprint research

Bolivia has gained global scientific attention with the documentation of more than 16,600 dinosaur footprints at the Carreras Pampa site in Toro Toro National Park, a study published in PLOS One shows. These fossilised tracks, many attributed to theropod dinosaurs and featuring swim traces and tail drag marks, represent the largest known concentration of dinosaur footprints in the world, providing rare insight into behaviour and movement millions of years ago. Scientists say the varied footprints not only help reconstruct ancient ecosystems but also position Bolivia as a leading destination for paleontological research and geotourism.

Sweden shifts cooperation approach but will not close ties with Bolivia

Sweden’s ambassador to Bolivia stated that while Sweden will not withdraw from the country, it is changing its mode of bilateral cooperation to better reflect geopolitical shifts and development priorities. The new approach emphasises flexibility and aligning with global and regional conditions rather than cutting ties altogether. Bolivian authorities welcomed continued engagement, particularly in areas such as governance, human rights and sustainable development, even as both sides adapt cooperation frameworks.

FONPLATA announces $1 billion financing for Bolivia over next five years

Regional development bank FONPLATA announced plans to allocate US$1 billion in financing to Bolivia through 2030, signalling strong support for infrastructure, social and economic projects. The funding is expected to boost development priorities, including transport networks, water and sanitation, and urban resilience efforts. Bolivian officials said the commitment reflects confidence in the country’s economic strategy and could help stimulate growth amidst ongoing challenges such as climate impacts and institutional reforms.

The Fondioc was created to finance development projects in Indigenous and rural communities, but investigations found that many of those projects were left unfinished, never began, or did not exist at all. The Bolivian Attorney General’s Office claims that millions of bolivianos were diverted, mismanaged or transferred improperly. According to the official indictment, one of the key elements used to request Arce’s arrest is a 2009 board meeting act, which places him among the authorities responsible for approving the release of funds later identified as irregular.

Prosecutors argue that Arce had a legal obligation to oversee and verify the proper use of Fondioc resources, and that he failed to intervene despite evidence of mismanagement. The case file states that “the former president knew of irregularities in the conduct attributed to him”, pointing to authorisations issued while he formed part of the economic team that managed the fund. This is the basis for the charges of “incumplimiento de deberes” (breach of duty) and “conducta antieconómica” (economic misconduct).

Arce, who left office in November after completing his presidential term, has so far exercised his right to remain silent. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested three months of preventive detention, citing risks of obstruction and flight. His former chief of staff, María Nela Prada, denounced the arrest as a “ kidnapping ”, while government officials insist it is part of a renewed national effort to pursue corruption cases without exception.

The Fondioc investigation has been active for years and has implicated multiple former officials, including ex-legislators and public servants. With the recent change of government and President Rodrigo Paz’s pledge to strengthen anti-corruption enforcement, the case has returned to the centre of Bolivia’s political landscape, and Luis Arce has become its highest-profile detainee to date.

This divide, has of course been exploited by politicians. From the 1970s onwards, the left sought to build support among racial minorities, gradually altering its own identity. Once fundamentally class-based, the “left” in the early 21st century took the fight not only to imperialist and colonial legacies but also to all those perceived to embody that heritage.

As a result, the integration that once defined the region has partly given way to racial fragmentation. Electoral maps from the last 20 years closely mirror the ethnic makeup of communities.

In Bolivia, the Aymara leader Evo Morales won office not only because voters endorsed the programme of his Movement for Socialism, but because of affinity to his indigenous background. Large constituencies backed him as he used anti-colonial rhetoric to seize and redistribute land from elite farmers, often of Spanish heritage.

In Bolivia’s 2025 election, the right-wing candidate Rodrigo Paz won with the backing of vice-presidential candidate Edman Lara - someone Indigenous voters consider one of their own. Tensions emerged immediately: Lara has mobilised supporters demanding expanded powers from the president.

In Peru, Communist Party leader Isaac Humala Núñez founded the Ethnocacerist Movement in 1987 with a straightforward agenda: power to the Indigenous population. His sons later built the Peruvian Nationalist Party on this foundation. One of them, Ollanta Humala became president in 2011. The party collapsed a few years later, but was replaced by a left-wing movement likewise oriented toward Indigenous voters, albeit without explicitly racial slogans. In 2021, its candidate Pedro Castillo - himself indigenous - won the presidency. Electoral maps show that Castillo prevailed in regions dominated by indigenous populations.

Ecuador’s elections have also taken on a racial character. Daniel Noboa won office with support from the Europeanised electorate and now faces protests from indigenous groups, escalating in some cases into armed confrontation.

In Brazil, the Workers’ Party—the main force of the left—does not explicitly foreground racial issues. However, after coming to power in 2003, it expanded affirmative-action policies explicitly aimed at increasing access for Black, Indigenous, and low-income Brazilians. 

The victory of right-wing candidate Jair Bolsonaro in 2019 was, to some extent, a revolt against these policies. Overlaid electoral and demographic maps tell the story: the “Black” Northeast voted for the left, while the “white” South and Southeast backed the right. The 2022 results show a similar pattern, though the left won that time - political preferences still matter, and Brazi’s divisions are less ethnically-based than, for example, Bolivia.

Colombia’s recent elections reveal a comparable trend. Around 60% of the population belongs to various ethnic groups distinguishing themselves from the “descendants of colonisers”. Left-wing candidate Gustavo Petro made race a visible part of his platform, promising to defend the rights of Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. Turnout in regions where those groups predominate surged, while the traditionally “white” centre of the country once again saw low participation.

Indigenous communities are beginning to step outside the framework of the left and articulate their own demands. Brazilian Indigenous groups staged unrest at a climate summit, opposing the construction of railways, power facilities and oil extraction in the Amazon - projects seen as vital for most Brazilians, but not for Indigenous groups. Similar dynamics are unfolding in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and even Argentina, where Indigenous populations are small minorities, yet still mobilising against development initiatives, sometimes violently, as seen in Chile and Ecuador.

The intensification of racial tensions destabilises Latin American states and obstructs their development. Crucially, these mobilisations rarely benefit indigenous communities themselves, but their leaders- often pursuing personal or group political and financial interests. They use left-wing movements as a façade, stoking conflict and provoking confrontation between “indigenous” and “non-indigenous” Latin Americans.

This opinion piece solely represents the views of the author, who has chosen not to disclose his name to avoid repercussions to his work. Global South World knows and can verify his identity.

Speaking from the Casa Grande del Pueblo in La Paz, Arce reflected on his administration’s achievements and offered an apology to the Bolivian people for the difficulties faced under his government. He insisted that every effort had been made to confront the challenges of recent years “with determination and honesty”.

The president said the internal rifts within MAS began when Morales sought to maintain control of the party and prevent its democratisation, asserting that Bolivia’s left needed to “return power to social organisations” rather than allow it to revolve around a single figure. Arce also recalled the June 2024 coup attempt, saying he leaves office “through the main door and with his head held high”.

His speech marks the end of an era: nearly two decades of MAS dominance in Bolivian politics . The party suffered a historic defeat in the August election, with its candidate winning just over three per cent of the vote — a result that analysts see as a reflection of the deep divisions within Bolivia’s once-unified left.

ALBA-TCP was created in 2004 by Cuba and Venezuela as an alternative to US-influenced trade and political blocs, aiming to strengthen cooperation among left-leaning Latin American countries. Bolivia, a key member for years under previous administrations, had already left and re-entered the bloc in past political cycles. The new government’s stance — seen as a break with the legacy of Evo Morales — prompted ALBA to declare Bolivia’s position “incompatible” with its founding principles.

Analysts say the suspension underscores the waning influence of ideological alliances formed during Latin America ’s early-2000s “pink tide.” As governments across the region pursue more pragmatic or centrist approaches, the continent’s once-unified leftist front appears increasingly fragmented.

“From the perspective of progressive movements in Latin America , it’s a shame they became divided today in Bolivia”, Sheinbaum said during a press briefing in Mexico City. “Sometimes that is trivialised, but politically speaking, for transformation movements it’s very important to remain united".

Her remarks came a day after centrist candidate Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party won Bolivia’s presidential runoff with 54.5% of the vote, defeating former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the LIBRE Alliance, who secured 45.5%, according to preliminary results from Bolivia’s electoral tribunal.

Sheinbaum’s comments reflect growing concern among regional leaders that ideological fragmentation could weaken the broader leftist wave that has defined Latin American politics over the past decade.

“This does not intimidate me,” Quiroga said during his concession speech. “No victory should make you arrogant, and no adversity should bend you. I am persistent and consistent. We will always be there to lend a shoulder; we never put obstacles in the way. Bolivia needs to move forward, and we will always do our part in that spirit.”

The former president, who governed Bolivia between 2001 and 2002, also expressed gratitude to his supporters and reiterated his congratulations to the Paz-Lara team for their work in both electoral rounds. He described the campaign as “an unprecedented experience” and praised the tone of democratic competition maintained throughout the process.

The October 19 defeat marks Quiroga’s fourth unsuccessful presidential bid. He previously ran in 2005, 2014, and 2020, losing each time to candidates from the left-wing Movement for Socialism (MAS), including Evo Morales and Luis Arce. Despite this, Quiroga emphasised that persistence and integrity remain at the heart of his political journey.

As Bolivia prepares for a new administration under Rodrigo Paz Pereira, Quiroga urged unity and collaboration. “We have had 20 years of destruction, and it is necessary for Bolivia to move forward,” he said. “Our role now is to help rebuild, not divide.”

The election marks a decisive moment for Bolivia, following a tense campaign shaped by debates over corruption , security, and economic recovery. Paz, the son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora, ran on a platform of political moderation and institutional renewal, appealing to voters seeking stability after years of polarisation.

According to the TSE, the vote was conducted peacefully across most regions, though some rural areas experienced minor logistical delays in the counting process. Election observers also noted high voter turnout, reflecting the public’s engagement in what has been one of the country’s most competitive races in recent years.

If confirmed, Paz’s win would represent a shift toward the political centre in Bolivia, signalling the electorate’s appetite for consensus-driven leadership. His government is expected to face immediate challenges, including inflation control, regional inequality, and growing demands for transparency in public administration.

Final official results are expected in the coming days, once electoral authorities complete verification of the remaining tally sheets and announce the certified outcome.

“A well-founded request has been made for preventive detention for the maximum period of 180 days,” Zeballos said. “As this is a case of gender-based violence , it is important to fully preserve and protect the rights of women, especially those in situations of vulnerability,” he added.

Authorities had activated an Interpol red notice to locate and apprehend Marcelo Arce before he voluntarily appeared at the Prosecutor’s Office to give a statement.

“Red notices have been activated to carry out geolocation, identification, and arrest for extradition purposes,” Zeballos confirmed, adding that Arce’s appearance came “thanks to the thorough and diligent work of the Prosecutor’s Office.”

Prosecutors say the case is supported by forensic medical reports indicating the victim suffered 12 days of medical incapacity, along with psychological evaluations showing emotional harm.

While a conciliation agreement has reportedly been submitted, prosecutors stressed that any settlement will be evaluated carefully but does not nullify the criminal process.

“We are going to open Bolivia to the world ,” he said. “Investment will come…Tourists will arrive. We will create jobs and opportunities so our young people stay here, with work, future, and hope,” he said.

Quiroga directly blamed the current government for spiralling inflation and fuel scarcity, accusing it of exhausting gas reserves and relying on excessive Central Bank money printing. “Prices are skyrocketing,” he warned.

“You go to the market, and your money isn’t enough, your basket is empty, and your family goes hungry,” he added.

He criticised the administration for leaving the country “without diesel, without gasoline, without dollars,” forcing citizens to endure long queues for basic fuel supplies.

Quiroga pledged to solve fuel lines and dollar shortages by restoring investor confidence and increasing exports.

“We are going to bring in dollars so you can get out of the diesel and gasoline lines, work, earn your money, and support your family,” he said, urging voters to back Alianza Libre at the ballot box.

The presidential runoff is scheduled to take place on October 19.

His remarks followed a complaint filed by activist and former candidate Peter Beckhauser, who alleged “technological manipulation” in over 3,600 voting records from the 17 August election. Beckhauser claimed that votes intended for the opposition alliance Unidad and the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) were tampered with — accusations that have since been echoed by pro-Morales lawmakers.

Two deputies aligned with Morales’s faction — Renán Cabezas and Jerjes Mercado — have called for a special congressional commission to investigate the alleged irregularities. Arce, however, warned that any disruption to the electoral calendar or attempts to question the legitimacy of the vote could “trigger social convulsion and violent actions that Bolivians do not want.”

The president reiterated that his administration has fully supported the work of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, respecting the country’s institutions and the agreed timetable. With more than 7.9 million Bolivians set to vote both at home and abroad on 19 October, Arce urged political actors to uphold constitutional order, promising that his government — “together with the Bolivian people” — will remain “a vigilant guardian of democracy.”

“The threat of death looms over Latin America and the Caribbean. The US Fifth Fleet, under the Southern Command, is mobilised with military potential that includes everything from patrol boats to missiles, along with planes, helicopters and submarines, using the pretext that this maritime space is being used against the national security of the United States”, Arce said.

The Bolivian leader also condemned the United States’ role in international conflicts, particularly its support for Israel in the Gaza Strip. He argued that US policies exacerbate violence and displacement, and warned that poverty, inequality, and social injustice in the region continue to worsen under these pressures.

Arce’s remarks come amid rising military activity near Venezuela, where the Trump administration has deployed warships along the coast since August. The president cautioned that these developments increase the risk of instability, potentially threatening peace across the Americas and globally if decisive action is not taken.

A Weakened MAS

Once a dominant force, MAS now faces the consequences of its internal split, with loyalties divided between President Luis Arce and former leader Evo Morales. Morales, though barred from running, still managed to mobilise nearly 17% of voters toward casting null ballots, underscoring his continued influence but also the limits of his electoral base. The result was a weakened MAS and unexpected gains for alternative candidates, signalling a new phase in Bolivia’s volatile political cycle.

While the immediate outcome has reshuffled party alignments, Breda warns that Bolivia’s deeper challenges remain unresolved. The persistent polarisation between Arce’s government and Morales’ loyalists risks prolonging cycles of protest and road blockades, instruments that have long paralysed the economy and undermined trust in institutions. At the same time, the lack of a unifying political force raises concerns about governance, as fragmented opposition groups may struggle to present coherent alternatives. According to Breda, this fragile equilibrium could turn Bolivia’s upcoming months into a test of resilience for its democracy.

The economic protest factor

Beyond political rivalries, Breda further pointed out that Bolivia’s elections were heavily influenced by a wave of protests over economic crisis and shortages. 

Breda told Global South World that since October 2023, ACLED recorded more than 500 protests linked to the lack of dollars, fuel, and rising food prices, a level of unrest rarely seen in the country’s recent history. “When there were protests about lack, they were almost non-existent, except briefly during the pandemic”, Breda explained. “This gives us a sense of how severe the current economic situation has become”, he added.

But the turmoil was compounded by pro-Evo Morales blockades, which often paralysed transport and trade for weeks. Rather than bolstering Morales’ cause, Breda argues these actions deepened the economic crisis and fueled frustration across the country. “The protests of his supporters actually aggravated shortages and made life harder for ordinary Bolivians. This increased rejection of MAS as a whole”, Breda said.

Firefighting brigades recently managed to bring under control blazes in San Matías National Park and the Noel Kempff Mercado Natural Area, though officials said those zones will remain under close surveillance for at least 48 hours to prevent reactivation. A fire remains active in Concepción municipality, where emergency teams and volunteers are working from a newly established field camp.

International assistance has started to arrive. A helicopter from Chile, provided with support from the Airbus Foundation and the French government, has been deployed in San Ignacio de Velasco to patrol and contain fires on the Caparuch plateau. Local officials noted that additional cooperation is expected following recent discussions with the diplomatic corps.

Recent rainfall in parts of Chiquitanía, including Roboré, Carmen Rivero Torres, San Matías, and areas near San Ignacio de Velasco, has helped reduce the intensity of some fires. Still, authorities have urged residents to remain alert, stressing that while many blazes are now under partial control, the risk of flareups remains.

Van Linge argued that the struggling economy was the first major factor behind MAS’s poor performance. “The belief is that the economy is in a very dire state. There’s a lot of regulation, very little free markets, shortages of essential goods, petrol shortages. Regular Bolivians are really feeling that in their everyday lives,” he explained.

The second factor, Van Linge noted, was the deep internal rift within MAS. He described how the party, once the dominant force in Bolivian politics, fractured into rival factions led by former President Evo Morales and his successor, Luis Arce.

“The conflict basically came down to who would take the ticket for the MAS party in this election. Morales wanted to come back as president, while Arce had the ambition to continue his mandate. Both being very power-hungry politicians, they couldn’t solve this in a civilised manner and basically tore the party apart,” Van Linge said. 

The infighting, he added, left many Bolivians disillusioned. “The protests and the public arguments put people off completely. The MAS was presenting itself as a mess,” he added.

Founded under Morales, who governed from 2006 to 2019, MAS became synonymous with leftist rule in Bolivia. But this year’s election results show the party has lost much of its grip, with voters turning to opposition candidates in frustration.

"It is hereby approved. Chamber Secretary, please circulate the resolution in due time for the members' signature, in accordance with Article 186 of Law 026. I kindly ask you to inform us whether we still have any appeals for annulment or extraordinary review pending resolution,” Hassenteufel said.

The tribunal announced that Rodrigo Paz Pereira, representing the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), and Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga Ramirez, of the Liberty and Democracy Alliance (LIBRE), will contest the second round. Their respective running mates, Edman Lara Montano (PDC) and Juan Pablo Velazco Dalence (LIBRE), were also confirmed.

The announcement marks the formal end of the national count. Hassenteufel concluded the session by stating, “The plenary chamber has just signed, approving the national count with the results of the August 17 election.”

Centrist senator Rodrigo Paz secured 32.06% of the vote, Quiroga Ramirez secured 26.70% of the votes, while Eduardo del Castillo of the Movement for Socialism, MAS, had just 3.17%, according to the electoral tribunal.

According to the latest figures from World Visualised, combined with data from the  Silver Institute  and Mining Data Online, five countries dominate global silver production: Mexico, China, Peru, Chile, and Bolivia.

Based on the latest estimates, the leading silver-producing countries are:

The Silver Institute’s 2024 report notes that global mine production slightly contracted in recent years but is stabilising. Increases from Chile and Bolivia offset declines in other regions, while Mexico remains the bedrock of supply. Importantly, about 70–80% of silver is produced as a byproduct of mining other metals, linking its output to broader industrial demand.

Libya's reputation over the years has been as a terrorist nation under Colonel Gaddafi, then a country in civil war and lately an exporter of migrants. But really what the country should have been known for is as a petrostate, because it has the largest oil reserves in Africa.

Those oil reserves have helped to define its modern shape. They allowed Gaddafi to remain in power for four decades by giving him the resources to reward the loyalty of those he needed and offer generous welfare benefits of free healthcare, education and subsidised fuel to the Libyan people.

But after his fall from power in 2011, rather than bringing the country together, oil started to pull it apart, with one faction based in Tripoli in the west and one group in Benghazi in the east both trying to control oil revenues and even signing exploration agreements with foreign companies and countries.

Security and intelligence consultancy Eigenrac have set out the scenarios that they could see and they have produced a report on globalsouthworld.com . Ultimately the status quo could break in two ways:

For now, the triggers for either scenario are not present. But it’s definitely one to watch.

Bolivia turns right

Bolivia is heading to a runoff election this October. After two decades of leftist dominance under Evo Morales and Luis Arce, voters are looking elsewhere, and that shift is dramatic.

Last week Global South World interviewed the two leading vice presidential candidates. The frontrunner going into the second round is Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira, who took about 32% of the vote. Right behind him is Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, a former president, who scored nearly 27%. Both are opposition candidates, which means for the first time in decades, Bolivia is preparing for a government led by the right.

Pereira's journey to the top spot is fascinating: his campaign was grassroots all the way from buses, shared taxis, going town to town. And his running mate? A TikTok-star and ex-policeman, Edman Lara. That outsider energy really connected with voters. Meanwhile, the governing Movement for Socialism (MAS) party has been pushed to the margins. Their candidate barely scraped 3%.

Bolivia joins a broader regional trend, from Argentina to El Salvador, where voters are turning away from leftist governments. And whichever candidate wins, there are some major economic and social changes coming down the line to get control of inflation and bail out the economy. It’s going to be painful, but Bolivians will be hoping that once they get through it they will have a more stable country where they don’t have to queue for essentials or cut back their shopping each month.

'Prove it or apologise'

In India, the country’s Election Commission has issued a stark warning to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi: “show proof or apologise.” Gandhi accused the commission of what he called “vote theft”... saying the electoral roll was packed with fake entries and duplicate voters. The Election Commission shot back, demanding either a sworn affidavit with evidence or a public apology.

The Chief Election Commissioner said there’s no third option. Which raises the stakes, because Gandhi has been trying to build a narrative around what he calls “vote chori,” or stolen votes.

The Commission says those allegations are baseless, even harmful to India’s democracy. But this is also about political messaging, whether Gandhi doubles down, or backs off, it will shape how India’s opposition positions itself going forward. And even more than that, this case will be closely watched in other countries too. How the participants handle the situation will definitely influence how politicians in surrounding countries and even further round the world try to push their own causes.

Xenophobia in universities

In South Africa, xenophobia seems to be moving up from the streets to universities.

Dr Precious Simba, a Zimbabwean lecturer at Stellenbosch University, told Global South World about her new study on the marginalisation of African academics in South Africa and the findings are heartbreaking. From barriers in hiring, promotion, and research recognition, it’s an extension of the wider hostility that migrants often face in the country.

South African universities have historically benefitted from intellectual solidarity across the continent, especially during apartheid, and were seen as bastions of tolerance and freedom.

Some academic bodies, like the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies, are trying to address the current problems. But the deeper problem of xenophobia within higher education is proving stubborn.

Chad's poisoned air

World Visualized has looked at the nations with the best and worst air quality. Now the best air quality is pretty much exclusively small island nations.

Basically places where you might want to go on holiday - the Bahamas, Bermuda, French Polynesia, the US Virgin Isles. Now it’s easy to imagine why these don’t suffer too much - the surrounding areas are almost completely clear of industry. Also they are typically wealthy and take care about the environment in order to encourage tourism which is a more important opportunity than heavy manufacturing.

But the other list is more interesting. Because it’s not primarily the most industrialised countries, and not even only the most populous ones.

What the data is actually showing is airborne particles called PM2.5 which can get into your lungs and blood and cause conditions such as blocked arteries and lung cancer.

And the country with the biggest issue? Chad.

Partly it is because most people in Chad cook on open fires, which are very inefficient and don’t burn well which means a lot of unburned material is released into the air. Poor waste management also means a lot of rubbish is just burned out in the open.

But there’s another factor which is the Bodélé Depression which is the dried up remains of an ancient lake. Wind blowing across the parched surface picks up dust and spreads it through the air. In fact it travels so far that it’s actually an important source of nutrients for the Amazon rainforest on the other side of the world. But locally it’s a severe health hazard and is known as the world’s number one source of dust.

Aside from trying to green the desert, which would be an immense project, there’s not much to be done. Further down the list are Bangladesh and Pakistan, as a result of their huge population density and heavy industries - India’s northern cities in particular are also famously polluted. However China isn’t there, largely because of the government drive to clean up after the scandals in the run up the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Cars are now rationed in many Chinese cities and investments made back then in electrification mean a lot of traffic is now zero emissions at the tailpipe.

Africa features heavily through the rest of the list with DR Congo at number four, again significantly because of the widespread use of cooking fires. This contributes towards climate change, deforestation to provide the wood and charcoal but perhaps most pressingly the spread of these deadly fine particles in the air. Global South World has featured a project to expand electricity networks on the continent and this is why it matters so much.

Nominative democratisation

Do you know how many countries are so committed to democracy that they even put it in their name? The World In Maps has done the work.

Duncan

And sticking with the theme of national identity take a look at this eye-opening video showing how unoriginal countries have been in choosing their flags.

World Reframed is produced in London for Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

Voters will now choose between two opposition figures on October 19: centrist senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira and former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga . Both candidates come from the right of the political spectrum, yet their approaches to rescuing the country’s fragile economy differ in tone and scope.

Rodrigo Paz Pereira: “Capitalism for All”

At 57, Paz Pereira has emerged as the surprise frontrunner. An economist and son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora, he ran a low-key campaign under the Christian Democratic Party. Despite polling behind in early surveys, his promises of moderation and pragmatism resonated with voters seeking alternatives to state-heavy management.

His platform centers on economic inclusion . He has pledged tax reforms to stimulate national industry, free importation of essential goods to counter shortages, and policies designed to benefit middle- and low-income sectors. Paz emphasizes decentralization, advocating a fairer redistribution of the national budget between central and regional governments. He frames his project as a path toward a more open market economy—without abandoning a social focus.

Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga: Shock Therapy for the Economy

Quiroga, 65, represents a more traditional conservative agenda. Once vice president under Hugo Banzer and head of state from 2001 to 2002, he is a veteran of Bolivian politics. This time, he campaigns as a self-proclaimed liberal promising a “seismic change” for the economy.

His program echoes the austerity measures promoted by Argentina’s Javier Milei: deep spending cuts, sweeping privatization of state companies, and a drastic reduction of the fiscal deficit. Quiroga argues that only a return to free-market orthodoxy and international openness can restore stability. His message appeals to business sectors and urban voters frustrated by years of subsidies and growing public debt .

A Country at a Turning Point

Both contenders promise to dismantle MAS’s state-centered model and steer Bolivia toward a market-driven economy. Yet the contrast is clear: Paz Pereira offers a moderate adjustment with social safeguards , while Quiroga pushes for a radical break with the past .

The October runoff will determine not only who governs Bolivia for the next five years but also how sharply the country pivots away from its leftist legacy.

What they said

“Bolivia is not just asking for a change in government , it’s asking for a change in the political system,” Rodrigo Paz said on Sunday night. “This is the beginning of a great victory, of a great transformation.” Outgoing president Luis Arce said in a statement, “Democracy has triumphed.” Quiroga told supporters, “It is a historic night – not for one party, not for one faction, not for one candidacy, but for all Bolivians who have spoken with strength, with faith, with hope and with dignity. Today, we have taken a giant step towards a better tomorrow.”

This is the end of our live coverage of the 2025 Bolivia general elections. Preliminary results released by the TSE, shows that no candidate secured enough to be declared winner of the the presidential. After 90% of the vote count, Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the PDC led with 32.08% followed by Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the Libre party with 26.94%. Follow Global South World’s news updates as the South American nation heads to a runoff to elect a new president in October.

02:45 GMT: Doria Medina concedes defeat, pledges support for Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia’s elections

Opposition leader Samuel Doria Medina, candidate of Alianza Unidad, conceded defeat after finishing third in Bolivia’s 2025 presidential race. In a statement on Sunday night, he acknowledged the preliminary results and pledged his full support to Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), who will face Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga in the October 19 runoff. Doria Medina’s endorsement is expected to play a key role in shaping alliances ahead of the decisive second round.

02:31 GMT: Bolivia’s presidential race heads to runoff as preliminary results announced

According to preliminary results released by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), Bolivia’s 2025 presidential election will go to a runoff on October 19. With over 90% of votes counted, Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) leads with 32.08%, followed by Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the Libre party with 26.94%. Businessman Samuel Doria Medina of Alianza Unidad, once a frontrunner in polls, finished third and conceded, pledging support for Paz.

00:32 GMT: Preliminary results place Rodrigo Paz of PDC in the lead, followed by Tuto Quiroga

Early vote counts from Bolivia’s 2025 general elections show Rodrigo Paz, candidate of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), as a surprise frontrunner. He is trailed by former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, running under the Libre banner. These preliminary figures suggest an unexpected shift in voter preferences.

21:44 GMT: Bolivia’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) convenes plenary session

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal officially opened its plenary session. Authorities announced that preliminary results from overseas voting are expected to be released around 01:00 GMT, marking the first official updates of Bolivia’s 2025 general elections.

21:06 GMT: Electoral jurors begin ballot counting in Bolivia

Electoral jurors have entered the final stretch of their duties, starting the ballot counting phase after completing their work at the polling stations. This marks the beginning of the meticulous process to ensure transparency and accuracy in Bolivia’s 2025 general elections.

20:00 GMT: Polls close in Bolivia’s 2025 elections

Polling stations across Bolivia closed at the scheduled time of 4:00 p.m. local, officially marking the end of voting in the 2025 general elections. The country now enters the vote-counting phase, with electoral authorities overseeing the process. Turnout was reported to be high, and observers highlighted a generally peaceful election day.

19:02 GMT: Presidential candidate Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga casts his vote in La Paz

Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, presidential candidate for the LIBRE alliance, voted in La Paz this afternoon amid strong citizen expectation. His participation drew attention from both supporters and observers, marking a significant moment in the capital during election day.

18:35 GMT: Departmental Electoral Tribunal reports smooth voting process

The Departmental Electoral Tribunal (TED) issued a positive mid-day assessment of Bolivia’s general elections, noting that the process has been carried out normally across 6,346 polling tables. Authorities reported only one incident in the Tropic region, which they described as isolated and under control.

17:44 GMT: COPPPAL mission hails high voter turnout in Bolivia’s elections.

Gerardo Morris, representing the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted the massive participation as a clear sign of democratic commitment.

17:04 GMT: Manfred Reyes Villa (APB-Súmate) vows close monitoring of election process

Presidential candidate Manfred Reyes Villa of the APB-Súmate alliance expressed concerns about potential irregularities during the voting process. “Be careful that there’s nothing slightly off going on. We will be doing a full follow-up,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to closely overseeing the election.

16:48 GMT: Andrónico Rodríguez attacked with stones after voting

Presidential candidate of the Alianza Popular, Andrónico Rodríguez, was reportedly attacked with stones immediately after casting his vote. The incident took place amid a tense atmosphere at the polling station, highlighting the high political stakes of the day.

16:50 GMT: Johnny Fernández heckled while voting in Santa Cruz

The mayor of Santa Cruz and presidential candidate, Johnny Fernández, was heckled by a group of neighbors when he went to vote at Villa Fátima School, located in the Fátima neighborhood of the city. Footage shows that some of the people accompanying the mayor almost came to blows with those confronting Fernández. The incident occurred when the mayor defended a woman who was being insulted by other attendees. After the altercation, Fernández described the situation as a “commotion” caused by his intervention in defense of the woman.

16:25 GMT: VP candidate Lupo casts his vote, dismisses “last-ditch efforts” from Evo supporters

Vice-presidential candidate Luis Lupo, representing Unidad Nacional, cast his vote and described the behavior of Evo Morales’s supporters as “patadas de ahogado,” a Spanish expression meaning desperate last-ditch efforts.

15:40 GMT: EU observers call Bolivia’s election day peaceful and well-organised.

The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission described the first half of Bolivia’s election day as calm, orderly, and free of major incidents.

Mission chief Davor Stier, speaking from La Paz, said that the 120 EU observers deployed across the country’s nine departments reported polling stations opened on time, with voting materials delivered promptly and logistics handled effectively by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and departmental courts.

“So far, the impression is that it has been a well-organized, peaceful day, where Bolivian citizens can freely and safely exercise their right to vote,” Stier noted .

15:36 GMT: Peaceful voting underway in Santa Cruz.

Election day in Santa Cruz began at 8:00 a.m., with steady voter turnout reported through the morning. By nearly noon, citizens continued arriving at polling stations to cast their ballots, and no incidents had been reported.

The department of Santa Cruz has 2,071,967 eligible voters, distributed across 9,115 polling tables and 1,124 polling stations.

14:39 GMT: APB-Súmate vice-presidential candidate Juan Carlos Medrano votes in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

Juan Carlos Medrano, vice-presidential candidate for the APB-Súmate party, cast his ballot at the UE 24 de Septiembre polling station in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. He arrived with his wife, both maintaining a calm demeanor as they greeted fellow voters.

After voting, Medrano called for integrity in the electoral process. “We ask for transparency from all candidates. We ask the electoral body to ensure that people’s votes are not manipulated today and that Bolivians can freely choose,” he told reporters.

14:36 GMT: OAS electoral observers monitor Bolivia’s vote.

The OAS Electoral Observation Mission in Bolivia, led by Juan Fernando Cristo Bustos, began its work on Sunday, monitoring the opening and development of the elections at precincts across the country. Cristo Bustos also attended the official opening ceremony organized by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) in La Paz, where he reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and democratic process.

The mission is composed of 87 international observers from 19 countries, who are tasked with monitoring election day as more than 7.9 million Bolivians head to the polls.

14:20 GMT: Former president Evo Morales votes in Chapare without a press statement.

Former president Evo Morales cast his vote in his coca-growing stronghold of Chapare, central Bolivia, accompanied by just over fifty of his so-called “union police.” He left the polling station quietly, without speaking to the press. The vote took place peacefully despite earlier threats of disruption from Morales’ supporters. Notably, there was no official police presence at the site. Morales, who has urged Bolivians to cast null ballots as a form of “democratic rebellion,” had actively campaigned for null votes in the run-up to the election.

13:00 GMT: Unidad Alliance presidential candidate Samuel Doria Medina votes in La Paz.

Businessman and Unidad Alliance presidential candidate Samuel Doria Medina cast his ballot at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday at the Franco Boliviano School in southern La Paz.

After voting, Doria Medina alleged that on Saturday his party’s computing center had been targeted by Evo Morales supporters. “Yesterday they tried to break into our computing center, claiming that fraud was being prepared when in fact it is public knowledge that all parties carry out electoral monitoring,” he said.

12:45 GMT: Alianza Libre’s Branko Marinković votes in Santa Cruz de la Sierra alongside family and party leaders.

Branko Marinković, candidate for first senator with the Alianza Libre party, cast his vote in Santa Cruz de la Sierra accompanied by his wife, Nicole Daulsberg, and their son. He was also joined by his party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga and Juan Pablo Velasco, who came to show their support.

Meanwhile, at the American School polling station, where judges were missing, Marinković’s son stepped in as a volunteer judge. “We voted at the same polling station, and he’s volunteering to be a polling station judge. These are the kinds of surprises that happen, but what matters is the civility, the family-oriented civility, to support the vote,” Marinković said.

12:30 GMT: MAS-IPSP presidential candidate Carlos Eduardo del Castillo casts his vote in Santa Cruz de la Sierra amid protests.

Presidential candidate Carlos Eduardo del Castillo del Carpio of the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS-IPSP) arrived shortly after polls opened to cast his ballot at the Caritas Union (UE) polling station in southern Santa Cruz de la Sierra. He appeared calm and composed as he entered alone, but the atmosphere quickly turned tense when some citizens at the site began booing him. Confronted with shouts and protests, Del Castillo chose not to give any statements to the press.

12:15 GMT : Vice-presidential candidate Juan Pablo Velasco votes in Santa Cruz de la Sierra alongside presidential hopeful Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga.

Vice-presidential candidate Juan Pablo Velasco of the Alianza Libre party arrived a little after 8am at the Colegio Nacional Salesiano in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, his designated polling station. He was accompanied by Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, the party’s presidential candidate. “We’re starting early, exercising this right,” Velasco told reporters. “We invite Bolivians to go out and vote, to do so peacefully, so this is a calm day. Bolivia needs democracy, Bolivia needs results. We are confident and at peace.”

12:15 GMT: President Luis Arce cast his vote at the Miguel de Cervantes school in La Paz’s Miraflores district.

"Despite those who believed we wouldn't reach this day and despite those who didn't want this election day to come, we have happily achieved it thanks to all the efforts we have made from the government," Arce told reporters.

12:00 GMT: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) officially opened Bolivia’s election day.

The interim president of the TSE stressed transparency and trust in the process. “Let there be no doubt about our honesty and our good faith,” said TSE president Óscar Hassenteufel, joined by authorities and international observers at the opening ceremony. Rejecting allegations of “fraud or manipulation” as “unfair,” Hassenteufel urged political actors to respect the outcome of the vote. “Democracy is honored when it is won and when the sovereign decision of the people is respected,” he said, calling on all candidates to accept the results “with nobility.”

12:00 GMT: Voting has officially begun in the first round of Bolivia’s presidential election, with early voters already queuing to cast their ballots in La Paz.

Polls are expected to open at 8:00 a.m. (1200 GMT) and close at 4:00 p.m. local time across all polling centres.

Background

More than 7 million voters head to the polls across the country’s nine departments to elect the President and Vice President of Bolivia, 130 members of the Chamber of Deputies, and 36 members of the Chamber of Senators, making up the 166-seat Plurinational Legislative Assembly. The elections could mark the potential end of nearly 20 years of rule by the leftist Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS).

A new direction for Bolivia: leading VP candidates set out agendas to Global South World

Bolivia enters its 2025 election under the weight of fuel shortages, a distorted currency market, and rising prices that have strained households and deepened frustration. For the first time in over two decades, economically liberal candidates lead the race, which indicates a potential break from the socialist governments of Evo Morales and Luis Arce. The contest has narrowed around two alliances: Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga’s LIBRE bloc, running on promises of radical change and a pro-business agenda, and Samuel Doria Medina’s Unidad coalition, which presents itself as a pragmatic “radical center” alternative. Both camps offer sharply different faces of economic liberalism but agree on the urgency of stabilizing Bolivia’s economy and redefining its place in the region.

Quiroga’s running mate, tech entrepreneur Juan Pablo Velasco, embodies LIBRE’s appeal to younger voters and pledges to modernize the state through digital reforms, export liberalization, and renewed ties with multilateral lenders. Meanwhile, Unidad’s vice-presidential pick, economist José Luis Lupo, brings decades of experience in international finance and government, proposing a $5 billion stabilisation plan, judicial reform, and investment-friendly laws. Together, these tickets represent a realignment in Bolivia’s political compass, with voters facing a choice not between left and right, but between two competing visions of market-oriented reform.

Last Election (October 18, 2020):

Luis Arce of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) secured a decisive first-round victory with 55.1% of the vote. Former president Carlos Mesa, representing Comunidad Ciudadana, came second with 28.8%, while right-wing candidate Luis Fernando Camacho of Creemos placed third with 14%. Voter turnout was exceptionally high at 88%.

Presidential candidates

A total of 10 presidential candidates registered to contest for the presidency. However, only about seven have made an impression thus far. Leading in the polls is Samuel Doria Medina, a wealthy businessman and three-time presidential candidate running as a pro-business alternative.

Also prominent is Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, a former president with deep ties to international policy circles and decades of experience in right-wing politics. They are joined by Manfred Reyes Villa, the mayor of Cochabamba whose political comeback has overcome past legal controversies, and Rodrigo Paz Pereira, a senator from Tarija and son of a former president, who represents the Christian Democrats.

The left and MAS-aligned camp is represented by younger candidates seeking to extend the party’s influence. Andrónico Rodríguez, 36, a cocalero leader and Senate president, is running under the Alianza Popular banner and appeals to MAS’s younger base. The official MAS candidate is Eduardo del Castillo, a former interior minister known for hardline security policies . Meanwhile, Eva Copa, the mayor of El Alto and a former MAS senator, is challenging her old party with the National Renovation Movement (Morena), leveraging her grassroots popularity and independent image.

Electoral process

The president and vice president of Bolivia are elected together on a single ballot. To win outright, a candidate must secure either more than 50% of the vote, or at least 40% with a 10-point lead over the nearest rival. If neither threshold is reached, a runoff election is held. Both offices carry five-year terms. In May 2025, the Constitutional Court upheld a ruling barring former President Evo Morales from running again, affirming a two-term limit for the presidency.

The Chamber of Deputies is elected through a mixed system for five-year terms, renewable once. Half of the deputies are chosen directly from single-member districts, while the other half are allocated through proportional representation based on national party lists headed by presidential, vice-presidential, and senatorial candidates. Seven seats are reserved for representatives of Indigenous peoples.

The Chamber of Senators is elected entirely through proportional representation. Senators also serve five-year terms, renewable once.

Declaration of votes

The electoral tribunal plans to release around 80% of preliminary results on election night, with the full official results expected within seven days.

“We have been given a custodian, Sergeant Aruquipa, who is here by my side,” Gomez said. “We locked and sealed the room where the electoral cases were placed, and now Mr Aruquipa will stay to guard them all night. The cases will be opened on Sunday at around 5 or 6 in the morning, once the jurors arrive. Without them we cannot open,” she told Viory.

Sergeant Aruquipa said both military and police officers had been trained to safeguard the electoral process in line with Bolivia’s constitution. “I will remain here until the conclusion of the general elections, until Sunday’s final ballot count, permanently here 24 hours a day,” he said.

The materials were transported from the Military Aviation College to designated polling stations across Santa Cruz. “Well protected, scanned, and never left unattended,” Gomez added.

Authorities say military custody is intended to ensure transparency and public confidence.

Morales speculated that if null votes reach 30 percent, with other candidates like Samuel Doria Medina or Manfred Reyes Villa at around 20 percent, the protest vote would effectively “win” in the first round. He described the movement as a “democratic rebellion against a corrupt state and government ,” accusing Bolivia’s political right of being complicit.

The former president, who was ousted in 2019 amid disputed elections and mass protests, framed the null vote as a form of resistance. “If the null vote wins, it will make history – not just for Bolivia, but for the world ,” Morales said, adding that he could not find any precedent of such an outcome globally.

Morales also linked his political persecution to his past policies , particularly the closure of a U.S. military base and the nationalisation of natural resources. “They do not forgive us because an indigenous cocalero closed that military base,” he told the rally, adding, “They do not forgive us for nationalising natural resources.”

The push for null votes comes just days before Bolivians head to the polls .

The comments came amid a broader speech in which the candidate painted himself as a defender of national dignity, promising to end road blockades, stop political intimidation, and safeguard Bolivia’s sovereignty. “I will not allow any abuse of our girls,” he told the rally, Viory reports. 

Reyes Villa also outlined an economic plan to leverage Bolivia’s mineral wealth, particularly its lithium reserves, to generate $10 billion in revenue without turning to the International Monetary Fund , which he accused of undermining national sovereignty in other countries.

Here are the seven contenders to watch:

Samuel Doria Medina

At 66, centre-right social democrat Samuel Doria Medina is one of Bolivia’s richest men and a familiar face in presidential politics. He has run for the top job three times before, in 2005, 2009, and 2014, without success. Owner of hotel chains and the country’s Burger King franchise, Doria Medina is positioning himself as a pro-business alternative. Polls put him in front as the election approaches.

Jorge ‘Tuto’ Quiroga

Jorge Quiroga , 65, is no stranger to Bolivia’s highest office, having served as president from 2001 to 2002. He began his political career as vice president to Hugo Banzer, the former dictator who returned to power via the ballot box in 1997. A right-wing politician with decades in public service, Quiroga’s résumé includes terms as president of Congress, finance minister, and leader of the opposition. He is known for his ties to international policy circles, including a stint as a Woodrow Wilson Scholar.

Andrónico Rodríguez

At 36, Andrónico Rodríguez is the youngest major contender and the only leftist leading in the polls. A cocalero activist, political scientist, and trade unionist, he serves as president of the Senate and is vice president of Evo Morales’ coca-farming union. Running under the Alianza Popular ticket, Rodríguez represents a younger generation of Movement for Socialism (MAS)-aligned politicians seeking to retain the party’s influence.

Eduardo del Castillo

Carlos Eduardo del Castillo del Carpio served as Bolivia’s Minister of Interior from 2020 to May 2025. Known for his hardline security policies, he is the official candidate for MAS in this election. The 36-year-old lawyer by training, Del Castillo’s candidacy signals MAS’s intent to rally its base while appealing to voters concerned about public order.   

Eva Copa

Eva Copa, 38, shook Bolivia’s political scene in 2021 when she won the mayorship of El Alto, the country’s second-largest city, defeating her former party, MAS. She is running with the National Renovation Movement (Morena). A former president of the Senate and senator for La Paz, Copa is seen as a symbol of political independence and grassroots strength.

Manfred Reyes Villa

Manfred Reyes Villa is 70 years old and a seasoned political figure and the current mayor of Cochabamba. He previously served in the same role in the 1990s before a high-profile conviction in absentia in 2013 for “anti-economic conduct” related to a highway project. Despite legal controversies, he staged a political comeback in 2021, winning the mayoralty with 55% of the vote. He is running on the Autonomía Para Bolivia ticket. 

Rodrigo Paz Pereira

Rodrigo Paz Pereira, 58, is running with the Partido Demócrata Cristiano (Christian Democratic Party). He has served as senator for Tarija since 2020 and previously as mayor of the city from 2015 to 2020. The son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora, his political career spans nearly two decades, including roles in the Chamber of Deputies and as president of the Tarija Municipal Council.

The presidential vote comes against the backdrop of a deep economic crisis. Bolivia is facing fuel shortages, rising food prices, and - most of all - a lack of US dollars. This shortage has pushed up the exchange rate and made imports more expensive, from fuel to medicines. Long lines for fuel and protests over food prices have become common.

The opposition blames the ruling MAS (Movement for Socialism), in power for most of the past two decades. Once united and backed by indigenous and working-class voters, the party is now deeply divided. A disputed election followed by the threat of military intervention in 2019 forced charismatic party founder Evo Morales out of the president's office. Wanted on charges of statutory rape, he has split his successor Luis Arce. Morales is calling for supporters to boycott the vote after the courts disqualified him from running owing to constitutional term limits.

That has left two opposition candidates as hot favourites to go to a run off vote.

Recent national polls show a tight race between economic liberals Samuel Doria Medina and Jorge ‘Tuto’ Quiroga. Some of the latest surveys even suggest Quiroga has slightly overtaken Doria Medina, although still within the margin of error. Both promise radical change including a more business friendly administration and intervention from multinational lenders.

Power list Asia

Check out Global South World's power list of the most influential social media journalists in South East Asia . In conjunction with Hypeauditor, Global South World has looked at the reach, engagement and audience quality of 50 journalists on the platform and ranked them here .

Sky high prices

Nepal has just announced it is waiving climbing fees for a number of its lesser-known peaks in the remote northwestern Himalayas for the next 2 years. The list does not include Everest or 25 of the other most popular mountains which tend to attract the vast bulk of visiting climbers, though. Those destinations are struggling with the sheer volume of people and their waste. Instead Nepal wants to draw attention to more than 400 other peaks which offer stunning climbs and varied challenges without the same congestion.

To make its point even more clear, the government will hike the cost of a permit to climb the world's highest mountain from $11,000 to $15,000 in September. Other popular summits will move to $350 from $250.

Acknowledgment but no apology

France's president Emmanuel Macron has accepted his country's responsibility for violent repression during Cameroon’s brutal fight for independence back in the 1950s and ’60s.

He expressed what he called “deep regret” for the violence, but stopped short of a formal apology. However, he acknowledged France’s responsibility in the deaths of independence leaders Ruben Um Nyobè, Paul Momo, Isaac Nyobè Pandjock and Jérémie Ndéléné, who were killed between 1958 and 1960 during military operations conducted under French command.

Macron also pledged to open archives, support historical initiatives, and implement recommendations offered by a joint Franco-Cameroonian commission.

Drugs and politics

In Colombia, the government is talking to the Clan del Golfo, the country's largest drug-trafficking organisation and the biggest cocaine producer in the world .

Under President Gustavo Petro’s “Total Peace ” plan, they’re hoping to negotiate a surrender in exchange for reduced sentences and reintegration programs.

Longer lives

At the turn of the 20th century, the average life expectancy around the world was just 32 years, pulled down disease and infant mortality. Now the figure is almost 71 years for men and more than 76 years for women. While a big divide remains - the lowest life expectancies are in Chad, Lesotho and the Central African Republic - in coming years the average is likely to continue rising. That's because of initiatives in developing countries to tackle easily preventable deaths.

Where have all the elephants gone?

As recently as the 19th century there were 10 million elephants roaming almost the entire length and breadth of Africa. Nowadays there are fewer than half a million now. The damage was initially done by colonial traders eager for ivory. But even once that practice was stopped a loss of habitat continued batter the populations. Today, numbers appear to have stabilised but in many areas their future remains uncertain.

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

In the sticky heat of Bolivia’s lowlands, or the thin, icy air of its mountain cities, the view has been the same for much of 2025: endless lines of cars curling around blocks on the worst days of fuel shortages. On top of that, the black-market dollar has been playing its own game — at one point worth almost twice the official rate set by the central bank, and still stubbornly high. As a result, prices keep climbing, household budgets are under pressure, and frustration hangs in the air. These are the rhythms of a country in economic distress.

Now, Bolivia heads into a presidential election unlike any in the past two decades — shaped by deep economic troubles and, for the first time in more than 20 years, led in the polls by economically liberal candidates.

Preliminary surveys point to two contenders at the top: Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga and Samuel Doria Medina . This marks a dramatic shift from the socialist tradition that, over the past four electoral cycles, brought to power leaders aligned with the “pink tide,” such as Evo Morales Ayma and Luis Arce.

Two decades of apparent economic stability have left behind few long-term plans. Today, the country faces the consequences: dwindling gas revenues, no new sources of foreign currency, and an overfocus on unexploited revenues from lithium, a resource all candidates mention but whose global price has fallen, while Bolivia’s industrial capacity remains minimal.

With the two frontrunners separated by a narrow margin, analysts believe the race will almost certainly go to a second round. Global South World spoke with the vice-presidential candidates from both leading tickets to understand how they plan to steer Bolivia out of crisis.

LIBRE: Radical change and a digital push

On one side of the ballot, Juan Pablo Velasco joins former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga as the vice-presidential nominee of the Libertad y Democracia Alliance (LIBRE). Their central promise: radical change. Quiroga was elected vice president in 1997 under the democratic government of former dictator Hugo Banzer Suárez, later assuming the presidency when Banzer resigned due to illness. 

Velasco, best known for leading a UBER ride-hailing like app in Bolivia, embodies LIBRE’s appeal to younger voters and the private sector. Yet his lack of public-sector experience has drawn skepticism about his readiness for high office. “We need to change our relationship with the state; it must stop being an analogue relationship, with queues and corruption and queues just to get a medical appointment. We will solve everything, bring change, and together we will achieve a free Bolivia.”

If elected, Velasco says the administration would liberalise exports, prioritising agribusiness and the agro-industrial sector — industries he believes could quickly generate revenue. He stops short of detailing how the sector’s environmental footprint, particularly its role in 2024’s record-breaking wildfires, would be addressed. For example, he states: "We need to crack down and enforce strict controls on forest burning. Last year, 12 million hectares went up in flames (...) We have no park rangers, no ranger infrastructure, nothing. (...). How do we solve this? With control." He has also expressed interest in tapping into carbon credits, without elaborating on how such a scheme would work or on the shortcomings of that industry, even in Bolivia.

For Velasco, economic stabilisation is the first order of business in the transition. He insists Bolivia must rebuild ties with multilateral lenders: “Right now, we have no active agreements with the CAF – Development Bank of Latin America, FONPLATA, or the IMF - International Monetary Fund. That has to change.”

Drawing on his tech background, Velasco envisions a “Digital Bolivia” that would promote entrepreneurship and technology exports. “We have an incredible number of developers. Thanks to the pandemic, remote work has expanded, and our best developers would rather work as call center agents for a startup in Singapore than develop technology products here—because they lack the right conditions” he says.

When asked about democracy, Velasco emphasizes that for Quiroga, it is the top priority. He expresses confidence in his running mate’s leadership in this subject. In the last year, Quiroga has had an active role in denouncing the authoritarian rulers of Venezuela and Nicaragua. 

Unidad Alliance: Radical center and free-market approach 

In the other leading campaign, Samuel Doria Medina has chosen economist, seasoned state official, and former international development executive José Luis Lupo as his running mate — a pairing the Unidad alliance hopes will convey both experience and economic credibility.

Doria Medina defines their stance as radical center , yet his campaign trail has included photos with right-wing leaders like El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele and Peru’s Keiko Fujimori .

Doria Medina is one of Bolivia’s most recognisable political figures. He is also an accomplished businessman: in 2014, he sold his controlling stake in cement giant SOBOCE for around $300 million, later expanding into real estate, hospitality, and fast-food franchises. More recently, he has leveraged TikTok to soften his image with humour. He has also received the endorsement of US-based Bolivian billionaire Marcelo Claure .

Lupo’s arrival on the ticket is intended to reinforce the campaign’s economic credentials. With senior roles at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) — overseeing operations in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia — and at the CAF – Development Bank of Latin America , he brings decades of experience. He has also served in ministerial posts in Bolivia on five different occasions. During the campaign, he has avoided missteps in interviews and is known for his precise language.

“This is the most crucial election of Bolivia’s democratic era,” Lupo says. His economic blueprint starts with a $5 billion stabilisation fund to unify the exchange rate, curb inflation, guarantee access to dollars, and secure fuel supplies while a new energy policy is rolled out. The program also calls for strengthening legal certainty to attract investment, reforming mining , hydrocarbons, tax, and lithium laws, and passing a new innovation and technology law.

“We will need shock actions,” he acknowledges, “but with protections so the most vulnerable do not bear the cost.”

Lupo promises that within the first 100 days, a Doria Medina government would secure the independence of the central bank, push judicial reform, and present state restructuring laws aligned with an open-market, pro-business framework that also recognises Bolivia’s diversity and plurality.

For Lupo, the stakes extend beyond Bolivia’s borders: “This election marks a regional shift away from populism.

He closes with a message of optimism: “Bolivia is not a failed state. It is viable — with a strong demographic bonus in its youth and its women”,  adding that they want a country  “where young people aren’t constantly looking to the airport as their way out.”

Whether Bolivians choose LIBRE or Unidad, August’s election will mark the first time in a generation that the nation’s political compass appears to be pulling away from the left. When the last ballot is counted, the question will be whether Bolivia awakens to a new political era — and whether that brings stability. However, one thing seems certain: the new Legislative Assembly in Bolivia will be dominated by two economically liberal blocs. Radically changing the past recent history of Bolivia. 

Additional info: 

For this piece, the Global South World team also reached out to Mariana Prado, vice-presidential candidate alongside Andrónico Rodríguez for Alianza Popular and former Minister of Development Planning under Evo Morales. The interview request went unanswered. After the two leading presidential contenders, their ticket had been polling in third place; however, the latest results show they have fallen behind, as support for null votes and undecided voters has grown. Their campaign is the one most closely aligned with left-leaning ideas.

MAS: On the outside looking in

Meanwhile, the Movement for Socialism (MAS) — which carried Morales to power and governed for nearly two decades — is polling at the bottom. Its candidate, former government minister Eduardo del Castillo , faces steep odds.

Morales, barred from running by the Constitutional Court’s two-term limit, is urging voters to submit null ballots, claiming them as symbolic support. He has even opened campaign offices dedicated to the effort.

Eduardo Del Castillo , the current candidate for the ruling MAS party, outlines a state-led modernization program. His proposals cover a digital transformation of healthcare, expanded educational grants, STEM-focused curricula, and judicial reforms to speed up legal processes. He also emphasizes cultural promotion, tourism development, environmental rights, and strengthening Bolivia’s autonomy within a multipolar world .

Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga , leading Alianza Libre, advocates a market-driven recovery. His agenda centers on privatization, technological modernization, and a transition toward a cleaner energy mix that combines natural gas with carbon capture and green investments.

Manfred Reyes Villa , from APB-Súmate, positions the state as a “strategic facilitator” of development. He has pledged an immediate $10 billion capital injection and proposed lowering gasoline prices to stabilize living costs, alongside deeper global integration.

Andrónico Rodríguez , candidate of Alianza Popular (AP), structures his platform around 10 commitments framed as citizens’ rights. These include restoring economic and political stability, supporting work in both formal and rural sectors, and ensuring access to healthy food through aid for small producers. He proposes gradually eliminating fuel subsidies with compensations, creating a U.S. dollar fund to stabilize the exchange rate, expanding access to fair credit, and avoiding excessive public debt .

These competing visions reflect the crossroads Bolivia faces: rapid market liberalization, comprehensive state-led modernization, or hybrid approaches seeking to balance growth, sovereignty, and stability. The outcome will determine not only the country’s economic path but also its place in an increasingly fractured global order.

Ghana’s defence and environment ministers die in military helicopter crash

Ghana’s Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed died in an August 6 crash of a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter travelling from Accra to Obuasi. Read more here .

Mission 300: The bold plan to bring power to half of Africa by 2030

Nearly 600 million Africans live without electricity—more than the populations of the U.S., Canada, and Brazil combined. The African Development Bank and the World Bank’s Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million people by 2030, linking half of unserved communities to the grid within five years. Read more here .

What should US deportees expect from Rwanda?

Rwanda will take in 250 immigrants deported from the US, becoming the third African nation after Eswatini and South Sudan to accept such arrivals. The country has struggled to secure similar migration deals. Read more here .

Latin America

Brazil's Bolsonaro arrested, adding to tensions with Trump

Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest before his coup plot trial, citing violations of prior restraining orders and alleged attempts to involve U.S. President Donald Trump. Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the order despite recent U.S. sanctions against him. Read more here .

Sarah Sanabria: Humour, activism, and journalism in the digital age

Bolivian journalist Sarah Sanabria, with degrees in communication, journalism, and audiovisual production, has built a following on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube by mixing humour with sharp political critique, carving out a unique space beyond traditional media. Read more here .

Oil find could bring $$$ for BP and $ for Brazil but what will it cost the planet?

BP has announced its largest oil and gas discovery since 1999, uncovering the Bumerangue field off Brazil. The find could boost its fossil fuel portfolio and mark a shift away from renewable energy investments. Read more here .

Hong Kong hit by heaviest August rainfall since 1884

On August 5, Hong Kong saw its fourth top-tier rainstorm warning in just over a week, with over 355 mm of rain—the highest August daily total since 1884—causing severe flooding and shutting hospitals, schools, and courts. Read more here .

Indonesia warns ban of ‘One Piece’ flag, seen as symbol of protest vs President Prabowo

Indonesia is restricting public displays of the One Piece “Jolly Roger” flag, which has become a symbol of dissent against President Prabowo Subianto. Authorities warn it must not be flown alongside the national flag. Read more here .

Inside India’s temple ritual, where priests smash coconuts on worshippers’ heads for blessings

For generations, thousands have travelled to Mahanadapuram Temple from across southern India to fulfil vows and seek blessings. Locals say the tradition, often tied to personal milestones, deepens their connection to the deity. Read more here .

Maria Cristina Claros, the president of the Electoral Commission of Santa Cruz, explained the meticulous process of assembling these kits. "We have been able to verify and monitor the production of the cases from the very start. In other words, the first thing we do is set up the case that already has a code. The barcode is scanned to report to the monitoring system that production of that case with that code is already underway," she said.

The kits are filled with everything needed to facilitate the voting process, she said, adding, "We place the identification of those eligible to vote, the surnames of the people who vote at that polling station, the tally sheet that goes inside our security envelope, the different security envelopes, the worksheets, the ballot papers, and all the material that needs to go inside the electoral case," Claros added.

The Electoral Commission aims to ensure transparency, security, and efficiency in the upcoming election.

Bolivia’s international bonds have rallied strongly ahead of the August 17 presidential election, gaining over 30% since the start of 2025 and outperforming the 7% return in JPMorgan’s emerging markets bond index. Investor optimism is driven by hopes that a political shift could pave the way for economic reforms and an IMF program, amid the country’s worst economic crisis in four decades, with soaring inflation, dwindling reserves, and tough fiscal trade-offs.

Election front-runners signal political change

Right-wing candidate Jorge Quiroga, a former president, said on August 8 that Bolivia was set for “radical change” after 20 years of socialist rule. He trails centre-right business magnate Samuel Doria Medina in first-round polls, while the ruling Movement towards Socialism (MAS) — founded by former president Evo Morales — faces record-low support over its crisis management.

Indigenous support for MAS erodes

The MAS party is experiencing a sharp decline in backing from its traditional Aymara and Quechua base, as economic hardship and unmet social promises overshadow identity politics. Influencers and community voices say priorities have shifted toward jobs, education, and healthcare. Morales, elected in 2006 as Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, once symbolised empowerment, but corruption allegations and internal rifts have eroded that legacy.

Violence mars football match in La Paz

A 3-2 victory for The Strongest over Blooming at Hernando Siles Stadium was overshadowed by a serious incident involving supporters, who threw fireworks onto the pitch. Paraguayan forward Juan Godoy was struck, sustaining a first-degree burn and a testicular hematoma, prompting medical attention and ongoing monitoring.

Business leader calls for openness

Bolivian entrepreneur Marcelo Claure, Group Vice Chairman of Shein, urged renewed openness to global markets and greater economic opportunity ahead of the election. Claure expressed optimism that effective governance could unlock the country’s economic potential.