Various News 8th March
FPB Blocks Evo Morales and Bans Continuous Re-Election of Legislators
The Frente Para la Victoria (FPB) party has put a stop to Evo Morales and declared that MAS legislators will not be allowed to run for office repeatedly.
FPB leader Eliseo Rodríguez insisted that candidate selection will take place in meetings with social organizations, rather than through direct appointment. He stated that his party will not accept current deputies and senators for future candidacies.
Rodríguez reiterated that FPB is a new party with no history of corruption, rejecting any form of imposed candidacy selection.
Supreme Electoral Tribunal to Review Evo Morales’ Resignation from MAS
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) will decide by Tuesday whether to accept Evo Morales’ resignation from MAS via a notarized power of attorney.
Vocal Gustavo Ávila explained that the decision will be made in a plenary session since the current regulations do not contemplate this type of resignation. If approved, any citizen could resign in the same manner.
The process remains under review as the government and opposition debate its legality.
Accusations of Electoral Fraud by Arce’s Government
Deputy Erwin Bazán accused President Luis Arce of attempting to extend his mandate with the support of self-appointed magistrates and now planning large-scale electoral fraud in the upcoming elections.
Bazán compared the alleged fraud to Venezuela’s Maduro model and warned that Bolivia’s electoral situation is concerning.
Mayor of La Paz: Diesel Shortage Affects Municipal Services
La Paz Mayor Iván Arias warned that the diesel shortage is affecting municipal operations, particularly river and drainage cleanup efforts.
Arias reported that only 50 cleaning teams are currently operational, down from the usual 85. He called on the government to ensure fuel supply to avoid further problems in the city.
Marcelo Claure Calls for Early Elections in Bolivia
Businessman Marcelo Claure stated that Bolivia is in “intensive care” and that President Arce should move up the elections scheduled for August 17.
Claure cited the economic crisis, fuel shortages, and lack of foreign currency as signs that the country needs immediate change.
Transporters Denounce Diesel Shortage and Threaten Protests
Transporters in Oruro reported that 60% of their fleet is currently inactive due to the diesel shortage.
Sector leader Jorge Gutiérrez claimed that the government has lost control of the country and announced that transporters will join the multisectoral march on March 18 to demand immediate solutions.
César González Accuses Government of Confiscating Goods to Sell Through EMAPA
César González, secretary of the Confederation of Unionized Workers, accused the government of seeking to confiscate goods from businesses and sell them through the state-owned EMAPA.
González argued that this measure aims to bankrupt merchants and centralize the distribution of essential products in the country.
Rodríguez Veltz Proposes Ending Presidential Re-Election and Extending Terms to Six Years
Former President Eduardo Rodríguez Veltz proposed eliminating indefinite re-election in Bolivia and extending presidential terms to six years.
Rodríguez argued that re-election has caused political crises and that longer terms would provide more stability without the need for repeat candidacies.
500 Tanker Trucks Stranded in Paraguay Due to Government’s Failure to Pay
Truck drivers stranded in Paraguay reported waiting for weeks to load fuel due to the Bolivian government’s failure to make payments.
Transporters claimed they are living in extreme conditions, enduring temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius, while authorities fail to resolve the issue.
The Challenge of Being a Woman in a Macho Political System - Testimony of Jeanine Áñez
Former President Jeanine Áñez shared her testimony about the difficulties women face in Bolivian politics.
Áñez stated that female participation continues to face barriers and that her own imprisonment reflects the political gender discrimination in the country.