Bolivia: Possible delays at La Paz’s El Alto Airport (LPB) amid strike November 5 /update 18

Event

Civic Council of Santa Cruz opposition leader Luis Fernando Camacho has been detained by police at La Paz's El Alto Airport (LPB) since Monday, November 4, and remain on site as of Tuesday, October 5. Camacho flew from Santa Cruz to La Paz to hand deliver a letter of resignation to President Evo Morales due to ongoing disputes regarding the country's most recent and disputed presidential elections. The government called on police to detain Camacho on the premises in order to contain his efforts in asking the president to step down. Police activity can therefore possibly prompt delays and crowded conditions at LPB throughout the day and potentially overnight, depending on how the situation is managed.

Camacho also called for a nationwide civic strike to begin at 00:01 on Tuesday, including an economic blockade targeting government buildings and on the borders. However, he asked that international airports, basic services, and emergency medical services remain unaffected.

Morales' supporters rallied to show their opposition to Camacho on Monday, blocking roads leading to LPB. Additional roadblocks on Tuesday cannot be ruled out.

A heightened security presence and associated disruptions are anticipated around all protest sites. Violence between demonstrators and security forces or rival political supporters may also occur.

Context

Tensions have been high in the country since the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Bolivia (TSE) halted its provisionary vote count on October 20 after 83 percent of the ballot was completed. Initial results indicated that President Evo Morales was short of securing the 10-percentage point lead needed to prevent a runoff election. However, on October 21, the TSE updated the count, indicating that President Evo Morales secured 47.08 percent of the vote against his primary rival Carlos Mesa, who received 35.51 percent, preventing a runoff. Political opposition supporters are accusing the TSE of manipulating the vote in favor of Morales. The protests have already left 30 injured in the violence and constant clashes with police.

Advice

Individuals in La Paz, and Bolivia more generally, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business in demonstration- and strike-affected areas, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.