Supporters of former Bolivian President Evo Morales have initiated road blockages, seized military posts, and even taken soldiers hostage. These measures were implemented after the current government filed legal cases against Morales and an attempt was made on his life, which he believes was politically motivated by the current President, Luis Arce. The political tensions in Bolivia have already affected the economy gravely and must be peacefully resolved before more harm is done. Once allies – Luis Arce was Morales’ former Economy Minister and successor in the same party – there is now political violence and cause for concern with regards to the peaceful transition in power during the next election. 

Bolivian police and security forces have been clashing with Morales’ supporters and have asked those involved to “immediately and peacefully” abandon each military post. Although the blockades are protests against the government, they are negatively affecting the local people and Bolivia’s economy by increasing fuel shortages and raising basic prices of goods. Arce also said 70 people, including 61 police officers, have been injured in the blockades organized by supporters of former President Evo Morales. According to President Arce, the economic costs of the blockades over 17 days are estimated to be over $1.7 billion. According to AP,  roadblocks are a common tactic in Bolivia due to its mountainous landscape, which makes it easy to isolate major cities and disrupt their activity. The World Population Review measures Bolivia as the poorest country in South America; these tensions must be addressed to help Bolivians. Attacking the military and taking over posts only has the potential to incite violence and retaliation from the government rather than bring change. 

The protestors want Arce’s resignation, and condemn the current government’s political persecution against Morales. The current government has opened a statutory rape case against Morales and attempted to arrest him for impregnating a 15 year old girl while in office. Morales has denied these claims and accused the government of politically persecuting him due to their rivalry as well as his indigenous identity. As a response to these cases, and the government’s attempt to discredit him, Morales stated that “It is a betrayal of the people, of the party activists, of the revolution.” Political opponents should be respected, and if these cases are indeed fraudulent, they should have no place in a democracy. 

According to Reuters, Morales called for a dialogue with the government and said he would launch a hunger strike until the two sides began talking. Hunger strikes are a peaceful way of protesting, and reveal the intense lengths that people are willing to go to in order to promote needed change. Morales hopes that “international organizations or friendly governments” will assist with his outreach.

The current president and government must understand the need for economic change and implement policies that help relieve the stress of individuals. As long as these two leaders in Bolivia stick to dialogue and promote peaceful ways of protests, then there is hope for the future and deterrence away from statewide political violence. As Bolivian elections approach, it will be important to facilitate dialogue and ensure their supporters back them in civil and respectable ways.