Evo Morales has officially resigned from Bolivia’s ruling MAS party, citing corruption and betrayal of principles. He is now aligning with the Front for Victory in preparation for the upcoming elections. The split reflects significant ideological rifts within MAS, particularly concerning governance under President Luis Arce. Morales’ resignation follows years of political instability and allegations surrounding his presidency, positioning him to seek re-election despite legal challenges.
Evo Morales, Bolivia’s former president who led the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) for over 30 years, has formally resigned from the party, signaling a definitive rupture with it. This resignation was communicated through his lawyers at the Electoral Tribunal as Morales shifts his political alliance to the Front for Victory (FPV) in anticipation of the upcoming presidential elections on August 17. The split is largely attributed to ideological differences with current President Luis Arce regarding governance and party leadership.
Héctor Rodríguez, who submitted the resignation to the Departmental Electoral Tribunal in Cochabamba, emphasized that the resignation reflects their commitment to the Democratic and Cultural Revolution ideals that have defined MAS since 2005. He stated, “We cannot be part of a government that has been corrupted and that has betrayed basic principles.” After an initial attempt to resign was rejected by electoral authorities, Morales’s resignation was duly submitted in person, albeit hasty clarifications later acknowledged the provision for a notarized delegation.
Since October 2024, Morales has taken refuge in the Tropic of Cochabamba, a region critical to his support base, amidst fears of an arrest warrant against him for serious criminal allegations. After Morales ceased to be the head of MAS in November 2024, pro-Arce factions held a congress that elected Grover García as the new party leader. As a result, several MAS members loyal to Morales have begun leaving the party.
Reports indicate that approximately 1,686 out of nearly one million MAS members have resigned in support of Morales, although some lawmakers remain within the party to retain their parliamentary positions. Notably, Senator Leonardo Loza mentioned that Morales’ supporters can continue to resign from MAS up until the eve of the general elections. Despite constitutional constraints on re-election, Morales maintains his eligibility to run for president again, asserting his candidacy for leadership is justified.
Morales served as Bolivia’s president from 2006 to 2019, during which he attempted to secure a fourth term before being accused of orchestrating a fraudulent election, a claim rebutted by opposition forces. The current division within MAS traces back to the political turmoil of 2019, when he resigned and subsequently lived in exile. Morales’ political trajectory highlights the evolving landscape of Bolivian politics amid ongoing tensions and ideological disputes.
Evo Morales’ resignation from MAS represents not only a significant personal departure but also reflects broader divisions within Bolivian politics, particularly with regard to his alliance with the Front for Victory as he prepares for the presidential elections. His resignation underscores fundamental disagreements with the current administration, while his past presidency and the subsequent political crisis continue to influence current dynamics. The actions of Morales and his supporters signal a potential realignment in Bolivian political allegiances, paving the way for future developments in the landscape.
Original Source: efe.com
