Evo Morales has resigned from the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) to run for president with the Front for Victory amid disagreements with current President Luis Arce. His resignation reflects a broader crisis in MAS, where many loyalists are leaving to support Morales while others stay to retain their parliamentary seats. Legal challenges may arise as Morales seeks another term despite constitutional limitations.
Cochabamba, Bolivia (EFE) – Former President Evo Morales of Bolivia formally resigned from the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party, which he led for more than thirty years. This resignation was submitted to the Electoral Tribunal (TSE) by his lawyers as Morales prepares to run for president again, this time with the Front for Victory (FPV). The split with President Luis Arce reflects significant ideological disagreements regarding governance and leadership within MAS.
Héctor Rodríguez, who represented Morales in submitting the resignation, stated, “The resignation was presented in defense of our Democratic and Cultural Revolution. We cannot be part of a government that has been corrupted and that has betrayed basic principles.” Morales had earlier attempted to submit his resignation through a delegate, but the TSE rejected it, requiring a personal presentation.
Morales has been residing in the Tropic of Cochabamba, his political stronghold, during the time leading up to the elections scheduled for August 17. His supporters are rallying around him to prevent an arrest warrant associated with serious legal charges. He has not held the leadership role in MAS since November 2024 when his political rival, Grover García, was elected in a congress supported by President Arce’s faction.
Despite the tumultuous political environment, supporters of Morales have begun to leave MAS to align more closely with him, although some pro-Morales lawmakers will remain within the party to preserve their parliamentary positions. The resignation process has seen the departure of approximately 1,686 MAS militants, as confirmed by TSE member Tahuichi Tahuichi Quispe.
Morales has served as Bolivia’s president three times and attempted to secure a fourth term in 2019, an effort marred by allegations of electoral fraud and claims of a coup against him. The political rift in MAS became evident following the widespread crisis in 2019 that resulted in Morales’ resignation and subsequent exile. Morales argues that he is eligible to run for president again despite a constitutional ruling that limits further re-election.
Evo Morales’ formal resignation from the MAS party marks a significant political realignment as he seeks to run for president with the Front for Victory. This decision follows ideological rifts with the current government. As the political landscape continues to evolve, many of Morales’ supporters are leaving MAS to back their former leader, while some remain to maintain their parliamentary presence. The upcoming elections will be a critical test for both Morales and the ruling party.
Original Source: efe.com
