Tuto Quiroga leads polls and socialism collapses in Bolivia
Bolivia is experiencing an unprecedented political shift. For the first time in this electoral cycle, former president Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga is leading the polls.
The latest survey by El Deber, conducted by the country's most reliable pollster, confirms the surprise. Quiroga reaches 24.45% support. Samuel Doria Medina, the socialist candidate, is in second place with 23.64%.
A historic turnaround
Never before in this process had Quiroga surpassed Doria Medina. The change reflects a social weariness with socialism and its unfulfilled promises.
Rodrigo Paz rises on the political stage
Rodrigo Paz appears in third place. His growth is steady and attracts disenchanted voters. Many come from socialism and from the old political establishment.
MAS in free fall
The Movimiento al Socialismo is going through its worst moment in years. Andrónico Rodríguez and Eduardo del Castillo are recording their lowest numbers since they entered national politics.
The wear and tear is evident. Corruption, authoritarianism, and the economic crisis have left a country impoverished and divided. Bolivian socialism, just as in other countries, has only caused misery and failure.
A political map in transformation
The combination of Quiroga's rise, MAS's decline, and Paz's advance outlines a new scenario. The opposition is strengthening. The ruling party is weakening.
Bolivia could be facing the end of more than a decade of socialist hegemony. The electorate, more determined than ever, seems ready to change the country's direction.
