Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga concedes defeat in Bolivia’s presidential runoff, congratulates Rodrigo Paz: Video
Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, a conservative candidate from the LIBRE alliance, has conceded defeat in Bolivia’s presidential election, recognising the victory of Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira.
With more than 97 per cent of ballots counted, Paz secured 54.57 per cent of the vote against Quiroga’s 45.43 per cent, ending one of the most competitive races in recent years.
“This does not intimidate me,” Quiroga said during his concession speech. “No victory should make you arrogant, and no adversity should bend you. I am persistent and consistent. We will always be there to lend a shoulder; we never put obstacles in the way. Bolivia needs to move forward, and we will always do our part in that spirit.”
The former president, who governed Bolivia between 2001 and 2002, also expressed gratitude to his supporters and reiterated his congratulations to the Paz-Lara team for their work in both electoral rounds. He described the campaign as “an unprecedented experience” and praised the tone of democratic competition maintained throughout the process.
The October 19 defeat marks Quiroga’s fourth unsuccessful presidential bid. He previously ran in 2005, 2014, and 2020, losing each time to candidates from the left-wing Movement for Socialism (MAS), including Evo Morales and Luis Arce. Despite this, Quiroga emphasised that persistence and integrity remain at the heart of his political journey.
As Bolivia prepares for a new administration under Rodrigo Paz Pereira, Quiroga urged unity and collaboration. “We have had 20 years of destruction, and it is necessary for Bolivia to move forward,” he said. “Our role now is to help rebuild, not divide.”
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
