Bolivia: Public transportation to be shut down nationwide during general elections October 20 /update 2

Event

According to US diplomatic authorities, strict measures on public and private transportation will be put in place during general elections on Sunday, October 20. All forms of public transportation, including public buses and Mi Teleférico in La Paz, will be shut down from 00:00 (local time) until 24:00 on election day. Private transportation will reportedly be limited as well, and only vehicles with a special permit will be allowed to circulate. Additionally, all public gatherings will be prohibited, and the sale of alcohol has been banned between Friday, October 18, until 12:00 on Monday, October 21.

Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all election-related events and polling stations.

Context

Current President Evo Morales of the Movement of Socialism party is one of nine candidates on the ballot for the presidency. Morales was first elected president in 2005 and is currently serving his third term in office. The constitution outlines that a president can serve two continuous terms if reelected, which was reaffirmed in a 2016 referendum that voted to keep the same presidential term limits. Morales is running for a fourth term in office during the 2019 elections.

The Bolivian presidential campaign period officially began on September 20, and will take place until October 16.

Advice

Individuals in Bolivia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid any protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.