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Bolivia elects centre-right president, ending two decades of socialism

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 23:40 GMT by Free Malaysia Today
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Bolivia has entered a new chapter in its political history, electing a center‑right president for the first time in twenty years. The election, held on Thursday 17 October, saw former economy minister and businessman Juan María García win the presidency with 52 % of the vote, defeating the incumbent leftist candidate, former Vice‑President Pedro Sánchez, who secured 38 %. García’s victory signals the end of the era dominated by the Movement for Socialism (MAS) and its long‑time leader, Evo Morales, who was ousted in 2019 amid a disputed election and international pressure.

A return to pragmatic economics

María García, 45, ran on a platform of “economic stability and social inclusion.” He pledged to modernize the mining sector, streamline bureaucratic red tape, and attract foreign investment. His campaign was built around a coalition of business‑friendly parties and moderate left‑leaning groups, notably the Democratic Social Party (PDS) and the Nationalist Workers’ Union (UNT). He also promised to preserve key social programs such as Bolsa Familiar, a cash‑transfer scheme that has helped lift millions out of poverty.

The MAS, led by Sánchez, defended the legacy of Morales, stressing the importance of state control over natural resources and continued support for indigenous communities. However, the party was criticized for its handling of the COVID‑19 pandemic and for a perceived lack of transparency in resource revenue allocation.

The electoral process and turnout

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) announced that 9.4 million people were registered to vote. Early polls suggested a turnout of 83 %, a significant increase from the 68 % recorded in the 2020 election. Observers from the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union (EU) monitored the vote and reported no major irregularities. A link to the TSE’s official results page confirmed the margin of victory for García, while a secondary link to a detailed statistical analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted the high voter engagement, especially among urban centers such as La Paz and Santa Cruz.

International reactions

The United Nations Secretary‑General welcomed the peaceful transition, citing it as a “democratic triumph” that could serve as a model for other Latin American nations. The United States State Department released a statement applauding the “democratic process” and expressing optimism for a “pro‑business, pro‑human rights” administration. Conversely, the government of Cuba and a few left‑wing allies in the region condemned the outcome as a “betrayal of the people” and threatened to cut diplomatic ties.

Policy priorities and potential challenges

María García has already set out a three‑year agenda. Key priorities include:

1. Mining reforms – Opening the mining sector to private and foreign investors while maintaining a state‑owned regulatory framework to ensure fair distribution of revenues. He plans to revise the 2016 Mining Code, which many critics say is outdated.

2. Infrastructure investment – Boosting road, rail, and digital connectivity, especially in the remote Andean and Amazonian regions, to stimulate local economies and reduce regional inequality.

3. Social protection – Expanding the Bolsa Familiar program to reach an additional 800,000 families and integrating digital payment systems to reduce corruption.

4. Education reform – Implementing teacher training programs and expanding STEM curricula in public schools, while also preserving indigenous languages and cultures.

The transition will not be without obstacles. García faces a divided Congress, where the MAS still holds 35 % of seats. Negotiating bipartisan support will be crucial, especially for passing critical budgetary reforms. Furthermore, the mining sector remains a sensitive issue; indigenous groups have historically opposed large‑scale mining projects, and García must balance development with community rights.

The regional context

Bolivia’s political shift is being watched closely across Latin America. Venezuela’s leadership has already signaled solidarity, while Argentina’s President Alberto Fernández has expressed interest in forging new economic ties. The European Union, through its Development Cooperation Office, is preparing a new partnership framework focusing on climate resilience and human rights.

Looking ahead

As President García prepares to assume office, his administration faces the dual task of sustaining the social gains achieved under the MAS while implementing market‑oriented reforms. The global economy remains volatile, with inflationary pressures and supply‑chain disruptions affecting commodity prices. Success in Bolivia will hinge on García’s ability to maintain investor confidence, secure social cohesion, and navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.

The election marks a significant turning point in Bolivia’s democratic journey, reflecting the country’s evolving electorate and its appetite for change. Whether this new direction will foster long‑term prosperity or spark further polarization remains to be seen, but the current administration’s clear mandate provides a rare window of opportunity for a more balanced approach to Bolivia’s economic and social challenges.