Constitutional Court Bars Evo Morales from Running for Office Again
A New Phase in Bolivia’s Political Crisis
A constitutional court in Bolivia has issued a ruling that bars former President Evo Morales from running for office again, marking a new phase in the country’s long-running political crisis. Morales, who led Bolivia from 2006 to 2019, had been vying for the candidacy of his MAS party alongside his former mentee-turned-rival, President Luis Arce.
The Ruling
In a decision last week, Bolivia’s constitutional court ruled that presidents are limited to serving two terms, whether consecutive or non-consecutive. This ruling effectively bars Morales from running for office again, as he has already served three terms.
A Complex Political History
Morales served his first two terms as president, but a court ruling allowed him to serve a third term after his first term preceded a constitutional rewrite. He ran for a fourth term in the 2019 elections, but fled the country after the results were disputed and unrest ensued. Arce was elected in 2020.
Reactions to the Ruling
Opposition lawmaker Marcelo Pedrazas welcomed the ruling, stating that it “ushers in a new era of politics in Bolivia.” He noted that in 2025, there will be an election without Evo Morales on the ballot. However, Morales’ lawyer, Orlando Ceballos, called the court’s ruling “politically motivated” and vowed to take up the matter with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
A Growing Divide
Morales and Arce have been increasingly at odds in recent weeks, with Morales supporters using roadblocks to halt commerce and later raiding military bases. Morales has called for peaceful talks with the government, but went on a nearly week-long hunger strike in protest of what he considers political persecution by Arce’s administration.
Chaos in Congress
On Friday, lawmakers loyal to Morales caused chaos in Congress, shouting and throwing flowers at the vice president ahead of Arce’s planned yearly address. The vice president was forced to deliver his speech from the presidential palace.
Conclusion
The constitutional court’s ruling marks a significant turning point in Bolivia’s political crisis. While the ruling may bring a sense of stability to the country, it also raises questions about the future of Morales and his party. As the country looks to the 2025 elections, it remains to be seen how this ruling will impact the political landscape.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the constitutional court’s ruling?
A: The ruling bars former President Evo Morales from running for office again, marking a new phase in Bolivia’s political crisis.
Q: Why did Morales flee the country in 2019?
A: Morales fled the country after the results of the 2019 elections were disputed and unrest ensued.
Q: What is the current state of relations between Morales and Arce?
A: Morales and Arce have been increasingly at odds in recent weeks, with Morales supporters using roadblocks to halt commerce and later raiding military bases.
Q: What is the next step for Morales and his party?
A: Morales’ lawyer has vowed to take up the matter with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and it remains to be seen how this ruling will impact the political landscape in Bolivia.