Bolivia Election Poll Sparks Debate: Analyst Exposes Potential Manipulation

Bolivia's First National Election Poll Sparks Debate: Analyst Raises Concerns About Manipulation La Paz, Bolivia – The release of the first national election poll by IPSOS-CIESMORI has ignited a debate in Bolivia, with concerns raised about the potential for political manipulation. The poll, conducted in May 2025, showed a tight race between several candidates. However, political analyst Marcelo Arequipa, appearing on Bolivia TV's "Bien De Tarde," argued that the way the poll results were presented was a deliberate attempt to influence voters. "There's an attempt to position a headline, I believe, based on the results seen yesterday," Arequipa stated. He highlighted the 119 days remaining until the election, referencing a similar situation in 2020 where headlines tried to create a narrative of a certain outcome. Arequipa's analysis focused on the potential impact of the poll on voter choices, particularly on the possibility of a second round. He pointed out the low increase in support for certain candidates since March, suggesting that extensive media campaigns hadn't significantly altered voter preference. The interview underscored the importance of critical analysis of election polls and their potential to shape public opinion. The close race and the analyst's concerns make this a crucial topic in the lead-up to the Bolivian elections.