Evo Morales, Bolivia's former president, has been barred from running for presidency in 2025 by the nation's top court amidst serious legal accusations.
According to Breitbart, the Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal of Bolivia ruled that the constitution's two-term limit for presidents prevents Morales from seeking further re-election.
The Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal's decision reinforces the constitutional prohibition against serving more than two terms, a rule originally approved during Morales' tenure in office. The tribunal specifically reversed a previous ruling from 2017 which Morales had used to justify his continued eligibility.
The 2009 Bolivian Constitution, ratified during Morales' presidency, explicitly limits the terms of presidents and vice presidents to one re-election. However, Morales served as president from 2006 to 2019, employing several controversial legal strategies to extend his presidency. The tribunal's recent ruling emphasized that indefinite reelection is not a fundamental human right. This clarifies long-standing ambiguities and aligns with international democratic standards aimed at preventing perpetuity in power.
The political landscape in Bolivia has been turbulent since Morales' departure. The Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), the political party founded by Morales, faces internal disputes exacerbated by the legal charges against him and disagreements with the current president Luis Arce.
Adding to the political drama are serious allegations against Morales, including statutory rape and human trafficking. These charges are linked to a relationship Morales allegedly had with a minor in 2016, which continues to cause controversy.
After resigning in 2019 amid protests, Morales lived in Argentina as a refugee, a status granted by then-President Alberto Fernández. Amidst accusations, his living circumstances in Argentina, particularly his association with minors, have also been scrutinized, leading to the revocation of his residency by President Javier Milei. Bolivia’s economy has felt the strain of blockades and protests led by Morales' supporters, who continue to press for his re-election prospects despite the legal barriers.
Despite the setbacks, Morales has not retracted from the political scene. He continues to mobilize support, planning significant demonstrations to contest the tribunal's decision.
Here is what Evo Morales announced to his followers:
We are still in a state of emergency, we have only declared a recess, starting on Monday we are going to plan the implementation of the resolutions, including a march to La Paz. I ask for unity and strength from our bases and I assure you that we are going to win this battle.
This call to action signifies not just a disagreement with the judicial rulings but a deeper resistance among a segment of Bolivia’s population towards the current political regime and its interpretations of constitutional law.
The court's ruling has significant implications for Bolivian politics, potentially altering the playing field for the upcoming 2025 elections. It underscores the complexities of Morales' legacy, from a transformative political figure to a polarizing leader facing severe allegations.
Furthermore, Morales and his legal team continue to challenge the constraints on his political participation, indicating that this saga is far from over. The discord within MAS and among Morales' staunchest supporters suggests that even if he is not a candidate, his influence will continue to shape Bolivian politics.
In conclusion, Morales' political journey encountered a significant hurdle as the Bolivian Constitutional Tribunal ruled against his candidacy amidst ongoing investigations into criminal allegations. This marks a pivotal moment in Bolivia’s political narrative, reflecting the continuous wrestling with issues of power, legality, and leadership integrity.
