Bolivia: Anti-Morales protests possible

Event

On Tuesday, March 27, the Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional Plurinacional; TCP) struck down an appeal attempt to nullify a November 2017 ruling that allows President Evo Morales to run for reelection. Various groups have stated their intention to hold protests to denounce the ruling, notably in Santa Cruz department, although no specific dates have been announced as of March 28. 

Context

In November 2017, the TCP cleared the way for incumbent President Morales to run for a fourth consecutive term in elections scheduled for 2019, and thus potentially remain in office until 2025. The ruling annulled the “no” results of a constitutional referendum held in February 2016 in a bid to remove presidential term limits. Morales - who has been in power since 2006 - had claimed the referendum failed due to an illegal smear campaign. The opposition immediately denounced the ruling and launched a series of disruptive protests, which included roadblocks on highways, at international border crossings, and at major city intersections.

Bolivian civic groups and unions frequently erect roadblocks as a form of protest. The country's mountainous terrain means that few roads exist to connect major cities and therefore roadblocks serve as especially effective bargaining tools in negotiations. Violence at roadblocks is not rare.

Advice

Individuals present in Bolivia are advised to keep abreast of the situation and avoid any protests.