ASSESSMENTS

Bolivia's Election Hangover Looks Likely to Linger

Nov 7, 2019 | 10:00 GMT

A demonstrator throws a tear gas canister during a demonstration against Bolivian President Evo Morales on Nov. 5, 2019, in La Paz, Bolivia.

(Gaton Brito/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Highlights

Clashes have gripped the streets of Bolivia's cities, including the capital of La Paz and Santa Cruz, the country's commercial center.
The dispute risks further dividing the country between the pro-Morales highlands and pro-opposition lowlands.
Ongoing political uncertainty and protests over Bolivia's recent presidential election could limit the country's ability to exploit its abundant natural resources.

Unrest stemming from Bolivia's disputed presidential election continues to escalate, threatening to worsen the country's political divide and economic woes. Opposition to Bolivian President Evo Morales, who has held office since 2006, has been building steadily since 2017, when he used the South American country's constitutional court to abolish term limits. Now, Luis Fernando Camacho, the leader of the Civic Committee of Santa Cruz, has called on the opposition to "paralyze" the country through an indefinite national strike and blockade of the country's borders on Nov. 4. The call came after Morales defied Camacho's demand that he resign within 48 hours....

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