The results of Bolivia’s Aug. 17 presidential elections, in which the two top vote-getters were neoliberals Rodrigo Paz Pereira and Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, have raised grave concerns not only about the crisis-ridden country’s future, but also how this may destabilize relations with Brazil, Bolivia’s partner in the BRICS, whose government is targeted for destruction by the Anglo-American financial establishment.
Paz Pereira, candidate of the Christian Democratic Party, was the surprise winner with 32% of the vote, having polled at 10% just a few weeks ago, while Quiroga, who briefly served as President 2001-2002, won 27%. Eduardo del Castillo, candidate of the badly-divided ruling MAS party came in with only a paltry 3%. Former President Evo Morales, who was constitutionally banned from running, claims the election results were illegitimate, after having ordered his supporters to hand in blank ballots. Paz and Quiroga will face off in an Oct. 19 runoff.
