An attempt of assassination was reported by former Bolivian president Evo Morales on Sunday after he claimed that gunmen fired at a vehicle in which he was traveling. Morales, a prominent political figure in Bolivia and leader of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, shared a video on social media showing two bullet holes in the windshield of the car. According to Morales, the attack took place near the Bolivian Army’s Ninth Division base close to Villa Tunari in central Bolivia. This incident has intensified tensions within the MAS party and raised concerns over political stability in the country.
Details of the Alleged Attack
The reported attempt of assassination on former Bolivian president Morales occurred as his vehicle was passing near a military barracks. Morales claimed the attackers, described as men in black, fired at the car, narrowly missing him but injuring the driver. Morales condemned the incident as a “coordinated attack” that he believes involved both military and police forces. He described how the bullet barely missed him by “centimeters” in what he called a deliberate attempt on his life.
The MAS party, which Morales led as Bolivia’s president from 2006 until his resignation in 2019, held current President Luis Arce’s administration responsible, alleging a lack of adequate protection for Morales. Arce, who succeeded Morales and also represents the MAS party, responded by condemning any form of political violence and pledging a thorough investigation into the incident. However, tensions between the two MAS leaders have been escalating, with each vying for influence within the party as Bolivia looks ahead to the 2025 presidential election.
Rising Internal Tensions Within the MAS Party
An attempt of assassination was reported by former Bolivian president Morales amid a period of increasing friction between him and President Arce. Both leaders have announced their intentions to run as MAS candidates in the 2025 election, leading to a rivalry that has splintered the party. While Arce maintains a moderate stance, Morales continues to have a strong base of loyal supporters, some of whom have engaged in public demonstrations to show their opposition to the current administration’s policies.
Following the alleged assassination attempt, a faction within the MAS party aligned with Morales accused the government of facilitating the attack, going as far as calling the Arce administration “fascist.” They also claimed that the assailants entered the nearby military barracks and were later evacuated by helicopter. This claim, if substantiated, would suggest involvement by military personnel in the attack, further complicating the internal discord within the party.
Political Response and Public Reactions
The attempt of assassination reported by former Bolivian president Morales has heightened concerns about political instability in Bolivia. Many of Morales’s supporters have condemned the attack, viewing it as an attempt to silence their leader. Morales, who remains a polarizing figure in Bolivia, has a loyal base willing to mobilize in his defense, and protests erupted in several areas following the news. Roads in some regions have been blocked, and clashes between pro-Morales supporters and law enforcement have been reported.
President Arce responded by expressing his disapproval of any violence within political settings, while also urging the MAS party to remain united. In a public statement, Arce reaffirmed his commitment to investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, emphasizing the need for a transparent examination to avoid further conflict. Observers suggest that the investigation’s findings will be crucial for the MAS party’s stability ahead of the upcoming election.
Ongoing Legal Challenges and Allegations Against Morales
While an attempt of assassination was reported by former Bolivian president Morales, he faces ongoing legal challenges that have placed additional strain on his political standing. Morales is currently under investigation for charges related to statutory rape and human trafficking, allegations that he has denied, labeling them part of a political vendetta orchestrated by right-wing opponents. These accusations date back to his controversial resignation in 2019, when he stepped down amid allegations of vote-rigging and international pressure.
Morales’s supporters claim that these legal issues are part of a targeted campaign to discredit him, pointing to the political divide that arose after his departure. Following his resignation, Bolivia experienced an interim right-wing government, which Morales’s supporters accuse of initiating the legal cases as a means to prevent his return to power. Despite the legal battles, Morales’s supporters remain committed to his political comeback, making the assassination attempt allegations even more significant in the eyes of his base.
Implications for Bolivian Politics and the 2025 Election
An attempt of assassination reported by former Bolivian president Morales has brought the longstanding divisions within the MAS party to the forefront, potentially impacting the political landscape in Bolivia. As the country heads toward the 2025 presidential election, the rivalry between Morales and Arce represents a significant hurdle for the MAS party. Both leaders command strong support bases, and any prolonged discord within the party could weaken its chances of securing victory.
Political analysts suggest that the assassination attempt allegations may lead to increased scrutiny of security measures for Bolivian political figures, particularly those involved in high-stakes campaigns. With both Morales and Arce unwilling to concede their leadership positions, the MAS party may face an uphill battle in maintaining unity. The unfolding situation raises questions about the country’s future, as Bolivia grapples with internal political tensions and the threat of violence against prominent political figures.
In the aftermath of the incident, the government’s response and the outcome of the promised investigation will likely shape Bolivia’s political environment in the lead-up to the 2025 election, as citizens look for answers and reassurance in the face of mounting political instability.
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