Crisis-hit Bolivia to vote in run-off election, ending decades of socialism

"The vote marks a decisive rejection of the socialist government and a likely foreign policy shift closer to the US. Bolivians are set to head to the polls to choose between two pro-market candidates in a presidential run-off that marks the end of nearly two decades of socialist rule and the start of a likely realignment towards the United States. The vote on Sunday pits conservative former interim President Jorge Tuto Quiroga, 65, against centrist Senator and economist Rodrigo Paz,"

"The vote comes as the nation of 11 million faces its most serious economic crisis in decades. Inflation has surged above 20 percent, the country is short on fuel and dollars, and long queues at petrol stations have become a daily reality. Polls show a tight race, with Quiroga holding a narrow lead. Voting stations open at 8am local time (12:00 GMT) and will close at 4pm (20:00 GMT), with initial results expected five hours later."

Bolivians face a presidential run-off between conservative Jorge Tuto Quiroga and centrist economist Rodrigo Paz following a decisive rejection of socialist dominance. Both candidates pledge pro-market reforms, economic overhaul, and restored ties with the United States after years of tense relations. The governing Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) failed to advance a candidate, ending its long-standing political dominance. Bolivia confronts severe economic distress: inflation above 20 percent, fuel and dollar shortages, long petrol queues, and depleted foreign-currency reserves after heavy subsidies and underinvestment in the gas sector. Polls show a tight race with Quiroga holding a narrow lead.

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