Bolivia: Nationwide general strike to take place February 21

Event

A nationwide general strike is expected to take place on Wednesday, February 21. The strike is being organized by trade unions and civil society organizations to protest efforts by President Evo Morales run for a fourth presidential term in 2019. Associated demonstrations and protest marches will likely take place in cities nationwide, including La Paz. Major transportation disruptions, including possible roadblocks, are to be anticipated.

Furthermore, other civil society organizations are planning to hold nationwide demonstrations in support of President Morales on February 21. The largest demonstrations will likely take place in La Paz and El Alto, with other events possible in other departmental capitals.

Clashes between rival protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

On February 21, 2016, Bolivia held a constitutional referendum to remove presidential term limits, which would have allowed President Morales to run for a fourth consecutive term in the 2019 elections. The referendum failed, but in November 2017 the Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional Plurinacional; TCP) removed the term limits as part of a penal code overhaul, provoking major protests and strikes throughout the country. On January 21, 2018, the government announced it was rescinding those (and other) controversial reforms.

Advice

Individuals present in Bolivia are advised to avoid all protests, never attempt to cross a roadblock without authorization due to the potential for violence, and allow for additional time to reach their destinations while strikes are ongoing.