Key takeaways from Bolivia's 2025 election

What we know

• Centrist senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party led Bolivia’s presidential election with 32.1% of the vote, according to preliminary results with more than 95% of ballots counted.
• Conservative former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the Alianza coalition placed second with 26.8%, securing a place in the runoff set for October 19.
• Businessman Samuel Doria Medina of Unidad Alliance came third with 19.9% and announced he would back Paz Pereira in the second round.
• Eduardo del Castillo, candidate of the ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS), won just 3.16% of the vote—enough to maintain the party’s legal status but its worst performance in two decades.
• Nearly 19.4% of ballots were declared null or void, far above historic averages, after former president Evo Morales urged his supporters to spoil their votes in protest.
• Outgoing president Luis Arce did not seek re-election, instead putting forward del Castillo, who failed to gain support.
• Bolivia’s fragile economy, marked by inflation at a four-decade high, fuel shortages, and scarcity of dollars, shaped the election. Annual inflation rose from 12% in January to 23% in June.
• Voters also elected 26 senators and 130 deputies, who will take office on November 8.
• International observers from the EU and OAS monitored the election and reported no major disruptions, though some isolated incidents occurred in Cochabamba and Entre Ríos.
• Analysts described the outcome as a “crossroads moment” for Bolivia, with centrists and right-wing forces together commanding about three-quarters of the vote.

What they said

“Bolivia is not just asking for a change in government, it’s asking for a change in the political system,” Rodrigo Paz said on Sunday night. “This is the beginning of a great victory, of a great transformation.” Outgoing president Luis Arce said in a statement, “Democracy has triumphed.” Quiroga told supporters, “It is a historic night – not for one party, not for one faction, not for one candidacy, but for all Bolivians who have spoken with strength, with faith, with hope and with dignity. Today, we have taken a giant step towards a better tomorrow.”