Bolivia: Socialist candidate claims victory in presidential election October 19 /update 2

Event

Luis Arce of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party claimed victory in the Bolivian presidential election on Monday, October 19. Although the official results have yet to be confirmed as of Monday afternoon (local time), exit polls and initial counts projected that Arce had won more than 50 percent of the vote, whilst his closest rival, Carlos Mesa of the Citizen Community (CC) alliance had received just over 30 percent of the vote. The full result may not be confirmed for several days. Mesa conceded defeat around noon on Monday, acting swiftly in a bid to quell any potential unrest after last year's controversial election was annulled following protests over vote-rigging and corruption.

Celebratory gatherings are likely in the coming days and protests by defeated party supporters are possible.

Context

The 2020 presidential election comes after last year's presidential election was annulled due to widespread protests over the results which led to the ousting of President Evo Morales. The election has been delayed twice due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Advice

Those in Bolivia are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant due to the threat of electoral-related protests, avoid the vicinity of political gatherings or demonstrations, refrain from discussing politically sensitive topics in public, and heed all directives issued by local authorities.