Bolivia's ex-president Morales announces presidential bid despite constitutional ban

LA PAZ -- Former Bolivian president Evo Morales announced on Thursday that he will run in the country's Aug 17 general election after forming an alliance with the Frente Para la Victoria (FPV) party.

"We now have a party to compete in this year's election," Morales told supporters in Cochabamba, openly defying a constitutional ruling that bars him from running amid an ongoing investigation into alleged child abuse.

Joined by FPV leader Eliseo Rodriguez, Morales framed his candidacy as a fight against what he described as efforts to "ban the indigenous-popular movement" and a step toward restoring Bolivia's "democratic and cultural revolution."

Under the terms of the alliance, Morales will be the FPV's sole presidential candidate, with a vice-presidential nominee chosen by consensus.

However, Morales' bid faces significant legal hurdles. A December 2023 ruling from the Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal explicitly prohibits him from running due to a constitutional limit on presidential terms, preventing anyone from serving more than two terms, whether consecutive or not. Morales, who governed for nearly 14 years, had served three terms.

Besides, Morales is also embroiled in a case involving allegations that he fathered a child with a minor during his presidency.

Despite these obstacles, the former leader remains resolute. "With the Frente Para la Victoria, we will win the national elections again," he declared. "This isn't about conditions, it's about saving Bolivia."

Rodriguez defended the alliance, stating "We made this commitment to move forward because our country is heading toward bankruptcy."

The announcement has deepened divisions within Bolivia's ruling Movement for Socialism party, with President Luis Arce's faction tightening its control and sidelining Morales.