Bolivian party Movement to Socialism (MAS) designated the Minister of Government, Eduardo Del Castillo, as its presidential candidate for the August 17 general elections, along with Milan Berna as a candidate for VP, after the president Luis Arce refusal, to re-election.

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“We have here our brother Eduardo Del Castillo and with Milan Berna, the candidates who are determined to strengthen democracy,” said party leader Grover Garcia, president of MAS in the announcement of the candidacies.

The alliance between the minister and the peasant leader is presented as the ideal option to represent the social organizations and trade unions that constitute the base of the ruling party. “Victory is assured,” he added, after the current president Arce was completely discarded.

During the past week, MAS leaders met with President Luis Arce to discuss possible candidates.

According to the established calendar, the registration period for candidates is open from 14 to 19 May, while the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) will allow applicants until 6 June.

Arce said in his Telegram channel that welcomes “with enthusiasm and optimism this decision” and calls on social organizations, progressive and left-wing forces, and the people in general to create a unified strategy to ensure the continuity of the Process of Change and the existence of the Plurinational State.

On the other hand, caravans of Bolivians arrived in La Paz this Friday in support of former president Evo Morales, while the country’s police used tear gas against protesters.

Morales Ayma, from his Twitter account made the announcement saying that “the second great March to Save Bolivia is already in La Paz. Sisters and brothers from all over the country, marching peacefully for respect for their social, political and economic demands.”

Morales also said that “with a high revolutionary spirit and loyalty to the people, they demand free, transparent and unproscribed elections. Thank you to all the inhabitants of the government headquarters who welcome us with affection.”

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