The electoral revelation that shakes Bolivia
When a predictable race was expected, the result surprised everyone. Rodrigo Paz Pereira, a 57-year-old economist, former mayor, former congressman, and current senator, defied all predictions and emerged as the overwhelming favorite in Bolivia's general elections. With more than 30% of the valid votes in the quick counts, he surpassed the experienced Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga and displaced the left, which had dominated the political scene for two decades.
Paz's rise was no coincidence. Behind this victory lies a life marked by exile, a political career built step by step, and an austere but effective campaign based on closeness and the promise of a state that works for the people.
A life forged in exile and public commitment
Rodrigo Paz Pereira was born in Santiago de Compostela in 1967, the result of the exile of his parents, Carmen Pereira of Spain, and former Bolivian President Jaime Paz Zamora. The political persecution of the dictatorship forced his family to travel to different countries, which shaped his worldview and commitment to democracy.
An economist by training and with studies in international relations, Paz consolidated his career in public administration. He served as a member of the House of Representatives, councilor, mayor of Tarija between 2015 and 2020, and is currently a senator for the opposition Citizen Community party. His experience sets him apart from other candidates and partly explains his appeal to voters, weary of empty promises and the instability that has characterized Bolivia in recent years.
The modest campaign that challenged the favorites
Despite his extensive resume, Rodrigo Paz was not among the favorites in the pre-election polls. His campaign was modest, with limited resources compared to those of Jorge Quiroga and Samuel Doria Medina. However, his strategy was clear: approachability, honesty, and concrete proposals.
Paz focused on addressing the real needs of the people. He pledged to end the "locked-up state," that bureaucratic machinery that hinders development and consumes resources. He proposed ending wasteful state spending and promised a "firm hand" against corruption, a long-standing demand of the public.
His running mate, Edman Lara, is another figure who attracted attention. A former police captain, Lara became known for exposing cases of corruption within the institution itself, gaining popularity on social media. His profile complemented Paz's image as a candidate outside of traditional politics.
From electoral surprise to the challenge of the runoff
The result of the first round was overwhelming. Rodrigo Paz not only came first in the quick counts, but also displaced the left, which is eliminated from the second round after 20 years of prominence. The runoff will pit him against Tuto Quiroga, former president and representative of the "Alianza Libre" coalition, who obtained 27% of the vote.
The key now will be Paz Pereira's ability to build consensus. His experience as a legislator and mayor supports him, but the challenge is enormous: transforming hope into governability. "Capi Lara" would be in charge of presiding over the Legislative Assembly if the duo wins in the second round, a key step in moving forward with the promised reforms.
Family values and vision of the country
Paz Pereira makes no secret of the influence his family has had on his life and political career. He defines himself as "a man who has two enormous joys: loving his country and loving his family." This vision is reflected in his speech, where he emphasizes the need to unite Bolivians around Christian values and the building of a broad national consensus.
The candidate insists that stability will only be possible if the state is eliminated, spending is rationalized, and genuine judicial reform is implemented. The fight against corruption is another central pillar of his platform.
A new political cycle for Bolivia?
Rodrigo Paz's emergence as a dominant figure in the elections marks a turning point in Bolivian politics. His profile combines experience, social sensitivity, and a personal story that resonates with broad sectors of the population. If he manages to transform the support he obtained into votes in the second round, Bolivia could begin a new era, with an agenda focused on state efficiency, transparency, and restoring trust in institutions.
The country's political future is at stake, and the citizens have the final say.
Do you think Rodrigo Paz will be able to bring about the change Bolivia needs, or will the political system end up stifling his proposals? Leave your comment.
