Bolivia's Election Chief: System Reliable, Though Slow

Bolivia's Electoral Chief Discusses Elections Amidst Tensions La Paz, Bolivia – In a recent interview with EL DEBER, Óscar Hassenteufel, president of Bolivia's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), addressed the ongoing electoral process and the rising political tensions within the country. Hassenteufel, known for his experience in electoral administration, expressed confidence in the system, stating, "Bolivia's electoral system is one of the most reliable in the world." However, he also acknowledged that the process is slow, explaining that the law mandates seven days for the vote count, a detail that has caused some concern. Hassenteufel's comments come amidst growing concerns about potential delays and disputes. He highlighted the meticulous nature of the vote count, stating, "We are reviewing each ballot, acta por acta, in the departmental tribunals." This process, while thorough, contributes to the delay in releasing the final results. The situation is reminiscent of the last judicial election in Santa Cruz, where counting took several days. Despite the slow pace, Hassenteufel emphasized that the system is "lento pero seguro" (slow but secure). The interview provides valuable insight into the challenges and complexities of managing elections in a politically charged environment. Hassenteufel's assurances of the system's reliability offer a degree of reassurance, even as concerns about delays remain.