MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Evo excluded, Andrónico becomes main left-wing presidential candidate in Bolivia

Rodríguez jumped into the limelight in 2019 when he became a prominent voice against the interim government of Jeanine Áñez

Senate Speaker Andrónico Rodríguez of Alianza Popular seems to have become the main leftwing contender for this year's Aug. 17 presidential elections in Bolivia after electoral authorities confirmed Friday the registration of the various candidates, former President Evo Morales not being one of them.

Rodríguez, 36, has distanced himself from both his former mentor Morales, as well as incumbent President Luis Arce Catacora, who has also parted ways with the indigenous leader under whom he served as economy minister. Rodríguez has a background in political science and has been deeply involved in Bolivia’s cocalero movement, which advocates for coca growers' rights, as has Morales.

Other leftwing candidates include former Government (Interior) Minister Eduardo del Castillo (Movimiento al Socialismo) and El Alto Mayor Eva Copa (Morena party). Running on the opposite end of the political spectrum will be Samuel Doria Medina (Unidad), Jorge Quiroga (Libre), and Manfred Reyes Villa (Autonomía Para Bolivia).

Bolivia's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) confirmed Rodríguez's candidacy Friday after overcoming legal challenges that had temporarily halted his registration. Previously affiliated with the Movimiento Al Socialismo (MAS), Rodríguez jumped into the limelight in 2019 when he became a prominent voice against the interim government of Jeanine Áñez, positioning himself as a leader within the progressive movement. In addition, his presidential bid is backed by the Movimiento Tercer Sistema (MTS), a center-left party that has gained traction in recent years, plus a coalition of social organizations, youth groups, and former MAS members, making him a strong contender in the upcoming elections.

Analysts suggest that Rodríguez’s candidacy could mark a turning point in Bolivian politics, potentially signaling the end of Morales' influence and the emergence of a new generation of leaders.

Morales' candidacy was turned down after the TSE annulled the Pan-Bol party’s legal status for non-compliance with electoral laws, TSE Chief Justice Óscar Hassenteufel confirmed. In addition, Morales, who ruled between 2006 and 2019, is constitutionally barred from further reelection and is supporting nationwide road blockades in protest.

A recent poll by Ipsos CIESMORI game Doria Medina 19.1% of the voting intention, followed by Quiroga (18.4%), Rodriguez (14.2%), and Reyes Villa (7.9%).