Evo’s Third Round

Last week, Evo Morales was elected for his third term as president of Bolivia, thus securing another term for his party MAS, Movement for Socialism. His popularity among the poorer sector and the indigenous groups of the country was evident in the polls. Nonetheless, the strong critiques from Bolivia’s business sector and political opposition are no more subdued than before: they are more than skeptical with another re-election and with his general dismissal of issues of corruption and transparency in the government. Morales, the anti-imperialism advocate and former coca farmer syndicate member, seems to have maintained popularity in Bolivia with his state-driven economic growth, and his relation with both Bolivia’s private sector and the international community has become more moderate since his first years as president.

Morales was first elected president in 2005, making history as Bolivia’s first president of indigenous origins. During his administration, he asserted his nationalistic and anti-imperialism ideologies in several ways, including joining the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA) along with Cuba and Venezuela. He led campaigns against racism and poverty, advocating for his indigenous and underprivileged supporters. Despite heavy skepticism on the conservative, more pro-US side, Morales was able to make significant positive changes to Bolivia’s economy: he reduced the levels of extreme poverty and illiteracy, with help from Venezuela and Cuba. Although his economic policies during this term didn’t differ much from the previously established liberal model, Morales increased state intervention and nationalized the oil, mining, gas and communications industries, and he increased taxation on the hydrocarbons industry. With revenues from these industries, he raised welfare. During his second term, with a majority in Congress, Morales was able to raise the minimum wage and establish Bolivia’s first-ever 50%-female cabinet.

Nonetheless, Evo Morales has never ceased to have opposition, especially from Bolivia’s Eastern regions, known to be the wealthier part of the country, and also the one supporting conservative politics. These regions seek autonomy, and have united as the National Council for Democracy (CONALDE), leading many campaigns against Morales on the basis of corruption and lack of representation of these regions in the government. Bolivia’s middle class are also wary of Morales’ policies for fear of infringement on private property as a result of socialism. The controversy around his change to the constitution in 2013 (which allowed him to pursue this third presidential term) has sparked even more critics, fearing that what appears to be a socialist with overall positive economic results could become another dictator and monopolize state power.

Given the threats to democracy associated with third-term presidencies, both Bolivia and the international community are watching Morales closely, holding him to his word that he’ll step down after 2019. His achievements in bettering Bolivia’s economy are remarkable however, as given Bolivia’s 5% annual growth rate since his first presidential term. Morales is also responsible for Bolivia’s recent reduction in poverty and illiteracy. All these achievements have been largely facilitated by a rise in demand for Bolivia’s commodities—now nationalized industries whose revenue now directly amounts to government funds for Morales’ policies.

As much as Evo Morales must be commended for his efforts in the development of Bolivia, his membership in the so-called “pink tide,” a term associated with aggressively left-leaning Latin American socialist leaders¸ leaves everyone with enough skepticism on whether he’ll turn out to be another Chávez. His control of over two-thirds of Congress, and his on-going disregard towards the interests of Bolivia’s separatist regions are enough to make many Bolivians uncomfortable with what keeps being a monopolized, corrupt government. With the commodities boom now receding, Morales will need to abide to prudent policy measures to maintain Bolivia’s growth and stability. These measures include stepping down when the recently amended constitution no longer allows him to stay in power.