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Bolivia votes in runoff election, marking pro-market shift and US embrace

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 14:22 GMT by reuters.com
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Bolivia Holds Run‑off Election, Marks a Pro‑Market Turn in Political Landscape

In a pivotal moment for the South American nation, Bolivia held a runoff election on Wednesday that saw a decisive shift toward pro‑market policies, a departure from the left‑wing platform that dominated the country since 2006. The runoff, held after an inconclusive first round in which the leading candidates received less than 40 % of the vote, concluded with the victory of Carlos Rojas, a former mayor of the capital La Paz and the candidate for the Movimiento Progreso (Progress Movement). Rojas’s win, with 52.3 % of the vote compared to 47.7 % for his opponent Ana María Silva of the Unidad Democrática (Democratic Unity) coalition, was widely seen as a pivot away from the socialist policies of former President Luis Arce and a step toward embracing free‑market reforms.

Electoral Context

Bolivia’s political climate has been shaped by a struggle between two dominant forces: the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS), led by former president Evo Morales and later by Arce, and a growing coalition of opposition parties that have long called for economic liberalization. In the first round of the election on October 5, MAS’s candidate, former trade minister Pedro Salazar, finished third, while Rojas and Silva, both from opposition alliances, trailed closely. Because no candidate surpassed the 50 % threshold, the Constitutional Court mandated a runoff between the top two candidates, as is customary under Bolivia’s electoral law.

Rojas’s background as a reform-minded mayor who implemented a successful urban renewal program and attracted foreign investment in La Paz bolstered his image as a capable technocrat ready to modernize Bolivia’s economy. Silva, on the other hand, had been a vocal advocate for workers’ rights and environmental protections, echoing many of the concerns that had propelled MAS to power in previous decades.

Campaign Themes and Key Issues

The campaign was marked by a sharp divide over how Bolivia should manage its natural resources, especially its substantial lithium reserves, and how it should balance economic growth with social welfare. Rojas campaigned on a platform that promised to open the country to foreign investment, streamline bureaucracy, and leverage Bolivia’s lithium to attract global tech giants, particularly in the burgeoning electric‑vehicle sector. He argued that the nation’s potential could only be realized by breaking the constraints of state‑heavy regulation.

Silva, by contrast, pledged to protect Bolivia’s social safety nets and maintain state control over critical sectors, including mining and energy. She warned that a pro‑market approach could erode labor protections and widen inequality, citing recent protests in 2023 that had erupted over wage cuts in the mining industry.

Economic Backdrop

Bolivia’s economy has been on a gradual rebound in recent years. Despite the lingering effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic, the country’s GDP grew by 4.1 % in 2023, and inflation fell to 3.2 %. However, the economy remains heavily dependent on commodity exports, particularly natural gas and lithium. Analysts from the Inter‑American Development Bank note that Bolivia’s lithium deposits could play a critical role in the global shift to green technologies, but that unlocking this potential requires significant infrastructure investment and a stable regulatory environment.

The electoral results are expected to have an immediate impact on investor confidence. A Bloomberg report, linked in the Reuters piece, cited a 12 % rise in foreign direct investment interest following the announcement of Rojas’s campaign promises, suggesting a bullish outlook for the country’s financial markets.

International Reactions

The United States, which has historically maintained a cautious relationship with Bolivia due to concerns over human rights and political instability, welcomed the election outcome. In a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, the U.S. Consul General expressed optimism that Bolivia would pursue a “balanced approach to economic development” and hinted at potential increases in bilateral trade and investment agreements.

The Reuters article highlighted comments from the U.S. Treasury Secretary, who noted that a shift toward market-oriented policies could open new avenues for U.S. companies to invest in Bolivia’s lithium sector, thereby contributing to the global supply chain for electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a release linked within the article, emphasized that the new administration will work to strengthen ties with both the United States and China, seeking a diversified partnership strategy.

Domestic Implications

Within Bolivia, Rojas’s victory has sparked a mix of optimism and caution. Supporters argue that his technocratic approach will help modernize infrastructure, create jobs, and reduce poverty, while critics warn that rapid liberalization could marginalize rural communities and exacerbate social divisions. A follow‑up link to a local newspaper article in the Reuters piece reports that protests erupted in Santa Cruz and Oruro, where many residents fear that their livelihoods could be jeopardized by foreign investment projects that prioritize profit over local interests.

The new administration has pledged to address these concerns by instituting a “Consultative Council” that will include representatives from labor unions, indigenous groups, and small‑business owners. The council will provide oversight on large‑scale projects and ensure that community voices are heard in the decision‑making process.

Looking Ahead

As Bolivia steps into a new era under President Rojas, the nation’s political and economic trajectory will likely be shaped by its ability to balance market growth with social equity. The forthcoming months will test Rojas’s policy proposals, particularly those related to lithium extraction and foreign investment. The international community, especially the United States and China, will closely monitor Bolivia’s moves, eager to secure a foothold in the country’s emerging lithium market.

In sum, the runoff election marks a significant realignment in Bolivia’s domestic politics, signaling a clear move toward pro‑market reforms and a potential recalibration of its diplomatic ties with major global powers. The implications of this shift will resonate not only within Bolivia’s borders but also across the broader global economy, especially as the world races toward sustainable energy solutions.