Supporters of former Bolivian president Evo Morales are back on the streets and protesting, escalating tensions in Bolivia as political unrest grows ahead of the 2025 presidential election. Demonstrations intensified after Sandra Gutiérrez, a Bolivian prosecutor, announced that an arrest warrant for Morales would be issued due to his failure to attend a hearing related to allegations of statutory rape and human trafficking. Morales, who governed Bolivia from 2006 to 2019, denies the accusations, which have resurfaced at a critical moment in the country’s political landscape.
The protests have seen Morales’ supporters clash with police, setting up road blockades and threatening further action if the ex-president is arrested. The conflict between the factions backing Morales and those aligned with current president Luis Arce, both from the same ruling MAS (Movement for Socialism) party, is deepening, with each side vying for dominance as the 2025 election approaches.
Allegations and Political Fallout
Evo Morales is under investigation for alleged statutory rape and human trafficking, stemming from accusations that first emerged in 2020. Prosecutors claim that Morales engaged in sexual encounters with a minor in 2015 and took her on international trips, which they argue constitutes human trafficking. Morales has dismissed these allegations as part of a political vendetta, originally launched by the interim government that replaced him in 2019 after his resignation following a controversial election marred by vote-rigging accusations.
Morales’ supporters, many of whom remain loyal to him despite his turbulent departure from office, argue that the charges are politically motivated. His return to Bolivia in 2020, after spending a year in exile, was celebrated by his followers. However, the relationship between Morales and Arce, once close allies, has since fractured, with both men now competing to be the MAS party’s candidate in the 2025 presidential race. This rivalry has added fuel to an already tense situation, with political divisions spilling onto the streets.
Protests and Road Blockades
Supporters of Morales are not backing down. Following the announcement of a potential arrest warrant, protesters erected blockades on two major roads, leading to clashes with the police. At least 12 people were arrested, and one police officer was injured in the confrontations. Demonstrators have vowed to keep the blockades in place “indefinitely” and warned that if Morales is detained, they will extend their protests to other major routes across Bolivia, potentially crippling the country’s transportation network.
“Supporters of Bolivian ex-president on streets and protesting” has become a familiar sight in Bolivia over the last several months, as tensions between pro-Morales factions and the government have continued to escalate. The situation is further complicated by the fact that many of Morales’ followers believe the charges against him are a ploy by his political enemies to prevent him from running in the upcoming elections.
Rising Tensions Within MAS Party
The rivalry between Morales and Arce is creating divisions within the MAS party, with both politicians commanding strong, loyal followings. The discord within MAS has erupted into physical altercations on more than one occasion, most recently in the city of El Alto, where supporters of both Morales and Arce engaged in street brawls three weeks ago. The internal conflict is weakening the party, which has long dominated Bolivian politics, and the division threatens to disrupt its chances in the upcoming election.
The stakes are high, as both Morales and Arce aim to secure the nomination for MAS in the August 2025 election. Morales, who still holds significant influence among rural and indigenous communities, is seen by his supporters as a defender of their rights. Meanwhile, Arce has sought to distance himself from Morales, focusing on economic recovery and stability during his presidency. The tensions between their camps are likely to intensify as the election draws nearer.
Future Implications
As the protests grow, Bolivia faces a period of prolonged instability. Morales’ supporters have already warned of nationwide paralysis if their leader is arrested, a threat that could have significant economic and social impacts on the country. The government, meanwhile, is under pressure to maintain order without escalating violence, particularly as Bolivia continues to recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The situation has also attracted international attention, with observers watching closely to see how the Bolivian government navigates these turbulent times. The potential arrest of Morales could spark even more widespread protests, and the rivalry within MAS could lead to further political fragmentation in a country that has seen its fair share of unrest in recent decades.
For now, supporters of the Bolivian ex-president remain on the streets and protesting, a sign that the political battle between Evo Morales and Luis Arce is far from over. As tensions simmer, the road to the 2025 election is likely to be fraught with challenges, both for the ruling party and for Bolivia as a whole.
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