Bolivia is a landlocked country in the center of South America with a history of political turmoil. The country, a former Spanish colony, has endured long periods of political and economic instability. However, many Bolivians today feel that socialism may be the answer to their problems. This sentiment is reflected in the recent victory of Luis Arce, a symbol of the socialist party in Bolivia, in the 2020 presidential election. Sadly, Bolivians must be aware of the international response. Given the history of United States intervention in Latin America, the international repercussions of a socialist party victory in Bolivia may be damaging.
The path towards this socialist victory in Bolivia is most recently influenced by the former president, Evo Morales. Although a highly controversial figure, Morales was the first indigenous president and delivered on many promises to provide greater equality with socialist policies. He represents a reassertion of indigenous political power that was historically dominated by wealthy, white elites. Morales is largely responsible for the development of the MAS, or “Movimiento al Socialismo,” in Bolivia. With the support of the MAS party, Morales slashed poverty levels, nationalized oil and gas industries, and expanded transportation infrastructure. These actions raised the GDP and improved treatment of indigenous people. However, the circumstances of Morales’ decline from power are not entirely clear. During Morales' run for a fourth term, major protests broke out across the country as accusations of election fraud spread.
Even though Morales fled the country, the policies of the socialist party remain popular, especially among marginalized families. It is the hope associated with these policies and the opportunities for widespread economic equality that have driven many people to the polls in support of Luis Arce, the candidate approved by Morales. While the election has not been officially called yet, exit polls on Sunday reveal that Arce has at least a 20-point lead over his centrist opponent, Carlos Mesa. In a demonstration of respect and rational-legal legitimacy, Mesa already conceded the election on Monday stating, “It is up to us, those who believe in democracy... to recognize that there is a victor in this election.” People are desperate for stability following the chaotic transition of power from the socialist policies of Morales to the conservative interim president, Jeanine Áñez. Many feel eager about the potential for a fresh start under Arce.
Indigenous women casting their votes for Morales’ chosen successor, Arce. The pollera, or traditional skirt, shown here is symbolic of the party’s indigenous base. (Common Dreams)
While this optimism feels refreshing, it may be somewhat blind. The reality of a socialist party victory in Bolivia may have negative economic repercussions based on reactions from the international community. Especially in the United States, there are continuous, active efforts to prevent the spread of socialist or communist ideals viewed as a threat to American democracy. In the 2002 election, prior to Morales’ eventual victory in 2005, the United States ambassador to Bolivia warned citizens that voting for Morales would lead the United States to cut off foreign aid and close its markets to the country. This distrust of socialism has not disappeared since 2002 and will likely lead to similar consequences under Arce. Some Morales supporters even view his ungraceful removal from the presidential office as the result of a United States backed coup; although, it is important to note that this theory is not confirmed. Furthermore, Arce inherits a country divided by protests, battered by the coronavirus and lacking the commodities boom that supported success for Morales’ socialist policies. This - along with international intervention - may cause stagnation in the economy.
Consequently, it is clear that while working class Bolivian people see the continuation of socialist policy through Arce as a chance to achieve new levels of equality, the success of their economy and reforms may be largely restricted by international hostility to socialism. Bolivians should follow their dream of socialism, but they need to be vigilant and alert to the potential of international interference.
Luis Arce at his final rally before the election. (The Guardian)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/19/world/americas/morales-arce-bolivia-election.html
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/bolivia-election-exit-polls-suggest-thumping-win-evo-morales-party-luis-arce
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/17/bolivia-election-socialism-luis-arce-evo-morales
https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2020/10/15/fresh-elections-and-perhaps-a-fresh-start-for-bolivia
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/18/nearly-one-year-after-2019-right-wing-coup-bolivians-head-polls-national-elections
1 comment:
As a US citizen, it is confusing as to why Bolivia has such widespread support of socialism. After viewing the negativity and corruption that plagues the socialist country of Venezuela, I feel as if socialism should not have as many Bolivian supporters. As mentioned in the article, there is a strong possibility of election fraud which I believe to be the reason socialism seems to garner support. With repercussions like the loss of foreign aid, the only reason for support of socialism in Bolivia appears to be a popular distaste for the current political setup.
Post a Comment