On Wednesday, Governor-elect Luis Fernando Camacho offered sharp criticism following President Luis Arce’s decision to withdraw his candidacy for re-election. Camacho characterized Arce as the most detrimental figure in the nation’s presidential history.
He attributed this assessment to what he described as a period under Arce’s leadership marked by long queues, escalating prices, widespread corruption, and a general state of crisis. According to Camacho, Arce’s withdrawal from the electoral race was not a voluntary choice but rather a consequence of pressure exerted by the Bolivian populace. He explained this by stating that citizens across the country are profoundly weary of the current political landscape, expressing fatigue with Arce, former president Evo Morales, Senate President Andrónico Rodríguez, and the crisis linked to the ruling Movimiento Al Socialismo (MAS).
The upcoming general elections are scheduled for August 17th. The MAS, which has held power for nearly two decades, had been preparing to contest the elections with significant internal divisions, reflecting support for Arce, Morales, and Rodríguez. However, on Tuesday evening, President Arce announced his decision not to seek another term, simultaneously challenging Morales regarding his own aspirations and urging unity with Rodríguez. Meanwhile, the political opposition remains fragmented with multiple potential candidates.
Camacho emphasized that a substantial effort lies ahead for all Bolivians committed to resolving the national crisis and establishing a nation founded on democracy and liberty. He stressed that this collective mission to steer Bolivia out of its current difficulties and advance democratic principles and freedom transcends any partisan differences. From his detention in Chonchocoro prison, where he regularly communicates via social media, the Santa Cruz governor reiterated that unity represents the most reliable path toward freedom and prosperity for all citizens, regardless of their region
