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A tense standoff has unfolded in Bolivia as supporters of former President Evo Morales have issued a stern ultimatum to the government of President Rodrigo Paz, demanding new elections or the resignation of his administration within the next 90 days. The ultimatum, which has been issued with the backing of Morales, major miners’ federations, labor unions, and indigenous groups, has marked a further escalation in the mounting unrest that has followed a poor showing by Paz in the April regional elections.
According to geopolitical analyst Joseph Bouchard, Paz has come under intense pressure following his party’s failure to win more than two of nine governorships, a significant setback for a leader who had entered office with considerable momentum just a few months prior. “Paz’s administration now finds itself in a precarious position, facing unprecedented levels of protest and unrest from Morales loyalists and others,” Bouchard observed.
Morales, who governed Bolivia for over 13 years before being barred from his nation’s 2025 election, remains a powerful and influential figure in Bolivian politics. Despite currently residing in the remote Chapare region, his longtime political stronghold, the former leader retains a significant following across the country.
The indefinite general strike launched by Morales supporters, labor unions, and miners’ federations has effectively brought large parts of Bolivia to a standstill, with key infrastructure and services disrupted by the protests. The situation is likely to deteriorate further unless Paz’s administration agrees to the demands of Morales and his allies, who have warned of coordinated escalations if their demands are not met within the 90-day timeframe.
Paz’s administration faces significant internal divisions as his party struggles to adapt to a changing political landscape. Morales, meanwhile, has long maintained that the 2025 election was marred by irregularities and that his supporters are entitled to a fresh vote. The fate of Bolivia hangs in the balance as the deadline for the 90-day ultimatum draws closer.
In an interview, Bouchard noted, “Unless there is a fundamental shift in the positions of the Paz government, the prospects for Bolivia’s stability in the coming months remain highly uncertain.”