Mariana Prado is rejected: miners threatened to stop supporting Andrónico Rodríguez

The ticket of Andrónico Rodríguez with Mariana Prado faces growing opposition driven by their own supporters. Mining cooperativists expressed their rejection of the candidacy of the former minister under the pedophile Evo Morales. They believe that she doesn't represent the grassroots nor has popular legitimacy.

The miners demanded her immediate replacement to maintain political support. Tension is rising within the Popular Alliance that nominates the coca grower senator. The ticket could be living its final days.

The National Federation of Mining Cooperatives of Bolivia (Fencomin) formalized its request. In a letter sent to Rodríguez, they requested Prado's replacement.

The cooperativists recalled that she doesn't have the support of the mining cooperative movement. They believe that her inclusion was an unconsulted decision. They warned that her continued presence could cost the ticket votes.

Fencomin criticized that Prado doesn't come from any social organization. They questioned that she has no history of struggle or commitment to the grassroots.

They assert that the vice-presidential candidate doesn't add support but rather significantly reduces it. They pointed out that they had already warned about this situation during negotiations. Their letter was clear in demanding another candidate with popular roots.

Other sectors also reject the candidate

The pressure doesn't come only from the mining sector. The Ponchos Rojos also expressed their discontent.

Their leader David Mamani strongly criticized the nomination. He believes that Prado doesn't represent the people and was imposed. He said that if there are no changes, they could withdraw from the alliance.

The Ponchos Rojos demanded ideological coherence from the ticket. They require that priority be given to people with a history of social struggle. They warned that the grassroots will not support candidacies unrelated to the popular movement.

Mamani recalled that they had already conveyed their position to Rodríguez. They expect a response before making drastic decisions.

The Tupak Katari Federation also made a statement this Monday. It announced a 72-hour ultimatum for Mariana Prado to be replaced. Its leader explained that the former minister was imposed "by decree" without consultation.

They reject that the candidacy did not arise from social organizations. They assert that the ticket is losing credibility with the electorate.

Peasants criticized an alleged "dedazo"

The peasants also requested the removal of Susana Bejarano. They criticized that she is not a native of La Paz nor knows the provinces.

They also questioned her closeness to Samuel Doria Medina. They stated that this affects the legitimacy of the list. They warned that if their demand is not respected, they will withdraw their support.

The same David Mamani delivered the resolutions to the Senate. He expects Rodríguez to review his ticket as soon as possible.

Mamani demanded a vice president with origins in union struggles. He said that the grassroots did not make agreements to be marginalized. They require a representative who knows the popular reality.

Rodríguez remains silent

For weeks, discontent has been brewing over Prado's inclusion. The criticism has not ceased despite attempts to calm the sectors.

Rodríguez has not yet issued an official position. However, within his own front, there are voices calling for changes. The conflict is already public and notorious.

Senator Pedro Benjamín Vargas, an ally of Rodríguez, also commented. He stated that Prado's nomination is costing the ticket support.

He then suggested that the candidate should resign for the good of the alliance. He believes that the political project should be prioritized over personal interests. He said that the situation must be solved soon.

Mariana Prado's candidacy has been questioned from the beginning. Many sectors believe that she lacks legitimacy due to her role during the government of coca grower Evo Morales. Her work during the previous administration doesn't convince the new leaderships.