Bolivia Erupts: Morales Supporters Clash with Police Amidst Election Demands

Clashes Erupt in La Paz as Morales Supporters Demand Election Participation La Paz, Bolivia – Tensions escalated in La Paz, Bolivia on May 28, 2025, as supporters of former President Evo Morales clashed violently with police. The protests, fueled by demands for Morales' participation in the upcoming August 2025 presidential elections, highlight the deep political divisions within the country. A 2023 judicial ruling barring any individual from serving more than two presidential terms, whether consecutive or non-consecutive, has further inflamed the situation. The video footage captures intense scenes of confrontation, with protestors throwing objects and police responding with tear gas. One protestor, Melina Cabrera, is seen shouting, "If there are injured or dead, the Presidential Palace will burn! We don't want repression; we want our rights respected!" The protests underscore the significant opposition to the 2023 ruling, which prevents Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, from seeking a fourth term. The clashes resulted in at least 20 arrests, according to reports. The events are a stark reminder of the fragility of the political climate in Bolivia and the ongoing debate surrounding term limits and political participation. Despite the violence, the protests demonstrate the strong support Morales still commands among a segment of the Bolivian population. The events will undoubtedly continue to shape the political landscape leading up to the crucial August elections.