The Two Right-Wing Candidates Battling for Bolivia’s Presidency

Bolivia’s presidential runoff on Sunday will see an ex-president and a senator face off, each promising to repair the South American country’s struggling economy.

Senator Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party surged from behind to take 32 percent of the vote in August’s first round but has since fallen behind former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the Freedom and Democracy (Libre) Alliance in voter intention polls.

Candidate Profiles

Rodrigo Paz, born in Spain during his family’s exile from successive military dictatorships, is the heir to a political dynasty. He has served as mayor, congressman, and now senator for Tarija, a department rich in oil and gas.

Voters see Paz as untainted by Bolivia’s long-ruling socialists or the traditional right represented by Quiroga. However, critics allege he enjoys backing from the MAS party, founded by leftist firebrand Evo Morales, which many blame for Bolivia’s economic struggles.

During a campaign marked by mudslinging and disinformation, Paz has promised:

• Tax cuts and removal of all import duties
• Capitalism that benefits everyone, not just the elite
• Decentralisation of power

A significant part of Paz’s appeal lies in his running mate, Edmand Lara, a former police captain renowned for his anti-corruption stance. Critics argue that Paz is attempting to appeal to all segments of the electorate, sometimes at the expense of a coherent message.

Jorge Quiroga, nicknamed “Tuto,” is a US-trained engineer from Cochabamba. His career spans IBM, major Bolivian banks, mining companies, and representation at the IMF and World Bank.

Quiroga served as vice president under Hugo Banzer and became acting president in 2001 when Banzer stepped down due to illness. The 65-year-old neoliberal is popular among wealthier Bolivians of European descent, known for blunt speech and snappy soundbites.

“I think this ‘Tuto’ has something. He’s an economist, he’s a businessman. But he has a way with people,” said Paul Chacon Diaz, a 56-year-old entrepreneur.

An amateur mountaineer and avid runner, Quiroga previously lost presidential elections in 2005 and 2014, and withdrew from the 2020 race due to poor polling.

Quiroga’s platform emphasises:

• Further liberalisation of the economy after “20 years of suffering, of pain, of shame, of corruption” under the leftist MAS party
• Breaking ties with authoritarian leftist governments in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua
• Commitment to strengthening democracy both domestically and abroad

Campaign members describe him as hard-working and results-driven, but detractors link him to Bolivia’s racial divisions.

“The extreme right for me is Tuto, because he discriminates against the collas,” said Daniel Lopez, a 43-year-old shoe shiner, referring to Bolivia’s Indigenous Aymara population.

• Rodrigo Paz appeals as a candidate untainted by past governments, with a platform of economic reform and decentralisation.
• Jorge Quiroga offers experience and economic liberalisation, with strong support among wealthier urban voters but criticised for divisive rhetoric.
• The runoff outcome will hinge on voter perception of economic competency, integrity, and inclusivity.