La Paz, Bolivia ,August 18(HS):

Bolivia is bracing for a historic presidential run-off after preliminary results confirmed the collapse of the long-dominant Movement for Socialism (MAS), ending nearly 20 years of leftist governance. With over 91 percent of ballots counted, centrist candidate Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) emerged as the surprise frontrunner with 32.8 percent of the vote, trailed by conservative ex-interim president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the Alianza Libre coalition at 26.4 percent.

Neither candidate crossed the 50 percent threshold—nor the 40 percent with a 10-point margin needed to avoid a second round—pushing Bolivia toward a decisive run-off vote on October 19.

The shock result has dramatically reshaped Bolivia’s political landscape. Despite polling in fourth place before election day, Paz surged to the top, signaling voter appetite for centrist alternatives after years of socialist dominance. Quiroga, a seasoned right-wing figure and former interim leader, represents continuity with conservative politics and will challenge Paz for the presidency.

MAS—fractured by infighting between outgoing president Luis Arce and former president Evo Morales, who was barred from running—proved unable to mount a comeback amid worsening economic turmoil. Bolivia is battling its steepest crisis in a generation, with inflation nearing 25 percent, scarce fuel and dollars, and intensifying public anger over shortages of essentials.

Once buoyed by gas windfalls that funded sweeping social programs under Morales, Bolivia’s revenues have shriveled as production collapsed. With lithium reserves still untapped and coffers nearly depleted, the economic squeeze has fueled widespread discontent and weakened the left’s grip on power.

Official results will be confirmed within seven days, alongside full congressional tallies for 26 senators and 130 deputies set to take office on November 8.

The coming run-off pits a centrist reformer against an established right-winger in a contest that will define Bolivia’s new political path after two decades of socialist dominance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar