Monday, October 20, 2025- Bolivia has entered a new chapter after centrist candidate Rodrigo Paz clinched a narrow but decisive victory in the nation’s presidential runoff, defeating right-wing contender Luis Fernando Camacho in a closely watched election.
Paz, the son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora, campaigned on unity, moderation, and economic pragmatism promising to heal the country’s deep ideological divides. His win marks a shift away from years of polarization between the leftist MAS bloc and conservative movements, signaling that voters are craving stability and reform over confrontation.
Celebrations erupted in La Paz and Sucre as Paz supporters waved national flags and chanted “¡Un solo Bolivia!” Meanwhile, Camacho’s camp alleged “media bias” and “urban manipulation,” though international observers from the OAS and EU praised the vote as transparent and fair.
Analysts say Paz’s appeal lay in his steady message combining pro-business incentives with strong social safety nets, a formula aimed at bridging the urban-rural rift that has long defined Bolivian politics. His balanced tone attracted younger voters tired of the old partisan battles and weary of political chaos.
Now the real challenge begins: governing a fractured nation amid economic strain and lingering mistrust. Paz has vowed to form a “government of consensus,” inviting rivals to participate in rebuilding institutions weakened by years of corruption scandals and unrest.
As the international community welcomes the peaceful transition, Bolivia’s new leader faces a defining test: can his centrist coalition hold together long enough to restore both growth and confidence in Latin America’s most politically turbulent democracy?
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