Evo Morales has announced his resignation from Bolivia’s ruling MAS party, indicating a definitive split following disagreements with President Luis Arce. He plans to run for president again with the Front for Victory in the upcoming elections. This move comes amidst a backdrop of internal party conflict and legal challenges facing Morales.
Cochabamba, Bolivia (EFE) – Former Bolivian President Evo Morales formally resigned from the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party via his lawyers at the Electoral Tribunal (TSE) on Thursday. After leading the party for over three decades, Morales has decided to run for president in the upcoming elections scheduled for August 17, with the Front for Victory (FPV). This decision follows his falling out with the incumbent President Luis Arce due to differences regarding governance and party leadership.
Héctor Rodríguez, who filed Morales’ resignation, stated, “The resignation was presented in defense of our Democratic and Cultural Revolution… We cannot be part of a government that has been corrupted and that has betrayed basic principles.” Previously, Morales attempted to resign through a delegate, but the Electoral Tribunal rejected it, demanding an in-person submission. Subsequently, the tribunal clarified that a notarized power of attorney would also be acceptable.
Since October 2024, Morales has been based in the Tropic of Cochabamba, surrounded by supporters who are working to protect him from an arrest warrant related to serious criminal allegations. Morales was ousted as president of MAS in November 2024 after a congress held by President Arce’s backers resulted in the election of Grover García as the new party leader.
Following Morales’ resignation, numerous loyal MAS militants have departed the party to support him, although several pro-Morales lawmakers choose to remain to preserve their parliamentary positions. According to TSE member Tahuichi Tahuichi Quispe, approximately 1,686 members have resigned, with Morales’ supporters retaining the option to resign until the eve of the general elections.
Having served as president on three occasions, Evo Morales attempted to seek a fourth term in 2019. However, this effort was marred by allegations of electoral fraud and a claims of a coup against him, which his opponents contest. The fissure within MAS traces back to the political turmoil of 2019, which resulted in Morales’ resignation and temporary exile. Notably, he expresses his qualifications to run for president despite a 2023 constitutional ruling prohibiting indefinite re-election beyond two terms.
Evo Morales has officially distanced himself from the MAS party amid significant political changes in Bolivia. His resignation reflects a larger rift with current leadership and a commitment to what he terms a Democratic and Cultural Revolution. Meanwhile, many of his supporters are leaving MAS to back Morales in his new political endeavor, highlighting the ongoing fragmentation within the ruling party.
Original Source: efe.com
