The ongoing protests in Bolivia have caused major disruptions and economic losses, with the blockage of key highways by supporters of former president Evo Morales. These roadblocks have led to fuel shortages, price hikes, and an estimated economic loss of $600 million. This has put current president Luis Arce in a difficult position, as he was previously supported by the same movement but is now seen as a “traitor.”
The demands of the protesters are related to the disqualification of Morales for the 2025 presidential candidacy by the Plurinational Constitutional Court. The protests have intensified in recent days, with efforts to radicalize and increase pressure on the authorities.
The government has been reluctant to repress the roadblocks, considering them as part of the country’s political culture. However, the business union has presented a bill to punish roadblocks with jail time, citing serious losses to producers and merchants.
The protesters are calling for the resignation of all judicial courts in the country, particularly targeting the Plurinational Constitutional Court and demanding the annulment of a constitutional ruling that prohibits a president from governing more than twice.
In response to the protests, a multiparty legislative commission has begun to debate a consensus law to hold elections as soon as possible. However, the Plurinational Constitutional Court has hindered these efforts by ordering lawmakers not to consider this law without agreeing to an extension of the court orders.
Former president Carlos Mesa has strongly criticized the actions of the Constitutional Court, describing them as a threat to the democratic system. The protests highlight the deep divisions in Bolivian politics and the challenges in reaching a consensus on important issues such as judicial elections.
Bolivia has traditionally held judicial elections every six years, but the latest elections were canceled due to a lack of majority in the Legislative Assembly. These protests and the political uncertainty they have caused further exacerbate the challenges in the country’s judicial and political system.