Bolivia: Protesters block roads in El Alto against postponement of general election August 6

Event

Protesters blocked roads in El Alto in the fourth consecutive day of unrest on Thursday, August 6, against the postponement of the general election. Protesters blocked roads in the Senkata district of the city using stones. Traffic disruption was reported in the vicinity of the protest. It remains unclear if police attempted to clear the roadblocks.

Further protests regarding the issue are possible in El Alto and across Bolivia in the near term.

Context

A new wave of unrest has been occurring since Monday, August 3, as groups affiliated with the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) began an indefinite protest against the decision to postpone general elections originally scheduled to occur on September 6 until October 18 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The elections are to be a re-run of a general election held in 2019 where controversies surrounding the results sparked protests, which led to the resignation of former president Evo Morales. In previous protests, major travel routes have been blocked in Cochabamba, Oruro, La Paz, Potosí, and Santa Cruz departments. Protests have also been held in several major urban centers. On July 28, a union-led protest organized by Bolivian Workers' Center (COB) attracted thousands of participants.

Advice

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