President Luis Arce announced he declines running for presidential re-election in Bolivia to avoid dividing the popular vote and to consolidate a united front that defends the revolutionary and social project.

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Luis Arce Prioritizes MAS Unity and Defense of the Popular Project

In a message broadcast from the Casa Grande del Pueblo on the evening of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora announced his decision to decline his candidacy for re-election in the general elections scheduled for August 17.

Arce explained that this decision stems from his conviction not to be a factor of division within the Movement for Socialism (MAS) and the popular camp, and from the need to consolidate a united front that defends the Plurinational State and social achievements.

Arce emphasized that the political project is more important than personal ambitions, so he is declining his candidacy to prevent the dispersion of the popular vote that could benefit the neoliberal right.

He stressed that unity among progressive forces and social organizations is essential to preserve the socio-productive economic model and the rights won by the working class and indigenous peoples.

Arce’s announcement comes just hours after Fidel Surco, Secretary of International Relations for MAS, confirmed that the party will finalize its presidential and vice-presidential ticket this Wednesday afternoon, according to BoliviaTV.

Meanwhile, Grover García, president of MAS-IPSP, indicated that the party awaits a response from Andrónico Rodríguez regarding a possible candidacy.

Other potential candidates under consideration include Minister of Government Eduardo del Castillo and representatives Jerges Mercado and Deisy Choque. This process reflects MAS’s commitment to selecting the strongest ticket to maintain unity and continue advancing the revolutionary agenda.

The president called on all leftist sectors and leaders to take responsibility in closing ranks around the candidate with the greatest chance of advancing, prioritizing the political program above any individual interest. He highlighted that only through maximum unity will it be possible to deepen the revolution and confront the fascist and imperialist threats aiming to destabilize Bolivia.

Pdte Arce NO VA A ELECCIÓN y le pide a Evo Morales no presentarse y que Andrónico Rodríguez vuelva al seno del MAS para ser candidato de ese partido político. pic.twitter.com/KPTaQGkRkK

— Patricia Villegas Marin (@pvillegas_tlSUR) May 14, 2025

The text reads: “President Arce WILL NOT RUN in the election and asks Evo Morales not to run, urging Andrónico Rodríguez to return to the MAS fold to be the candidate of that political party.“

Full Commitment to Governance and Defense of the Plurinational State

With his decision to decline candidacy, Arce announced he will fully dedicate himself to government management, urging the Plurinational Legislative Assembly to approve pending laws, especially international loans vital for the country’s development.

He reaffirmed his commitment to defending the Plurinational State, sovereignty, and social justice, assuring that he will continue fighting from any space to guarantee the continuity of the revolutionary project.

This strategic move by Luis Arce marks a decisive moment for the Movement for Socialism and the Bolivian left, which now faces the challenge of consolidating a united front to defend popular achievements and ensure political and social stability in the upcoming elections.

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