LAUCA Ñ, Bolivia — Evo Morales, the former president of Bolivia, is gearing up for a political comeback as he eyes the 2025 election, relying on a message that has resonated with voters in other regions. He is suggesting that the recent years of hardship brought by various politicians signify the need to return to his leadership.
Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, has historically been credited with leveraging a commodities boom to elevate the nation’s economy and maintain social stability during his extensive time in office, which lasted nearly 14 years. However, critics contend that he is responsible for the unrest that followed his resignation in 2019, blaming him for the country’s heavy reliance on natural gas and for trying to extend his presidency beyond constitutional limits.
Now, Morales is set to face a significant political challenge from President Luis Arce, who was once his ally but has turned rival. A feud is developing within the left-leaning Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party as both men aspire to lead in the upcoming elections. Tensions have escalated, with the judiciary disqualifying Morales from candidacy and removing him from the party’s leadership, a stark betrayal for someone who was pivotal in founding MAS in the 1990s.
In December, Morales faced serious legal troubles when he was charged with statutory rape, accused of fathering a child with a girl who was 15 at the time. While Morales admitted to the relationship, he accused Arce of orchestrating a smear campaign against him.
Currently, Morales has retreated to the Chapare region, a prime coca-growing area where he finds solace among loyal supporters. His past as a coca farmer and union leader has helped him maintain a stronghold here. “They’re afraid of my candidacy because they know I would win,” Morales stated, emphasizing the overwhelming barriers he feels he faces politically, legally, and morally.
The journey to Chapare showcases the rugged and misty landscape that leads to Morales’s base, where U.S. drug policy enforcers have long been outmatched by his fervent followers who create their own security checkpoints.
While navigating through Chapare, a guide pointed out various projects attributed to Morales, like educational institutions and sports facilities, whilst murals of his face alongside icons like Che Guevara indicate his deep-rooted presence in the community. Morales’ supporters eagerly welcomed visitors at checkpoints, demonstrating their loyalty, and expressing their steadfast commitment to his potential return to power.
Morales has faced danger, including a recent attack on his convoy that he has referred to as an attempt on his life, for which he blames the current government. Even so, he remains a revered figure among coca farmers, who see him as an advocate for their way of life.
Nevertheless, opinions about Morales diverge significantly across Bolivia. Many citizens, particularly those in urban and affluent areas like La Paz, are critical of his past mistakes, including the serious allegations against him. Some areas have voiced their distaste through graffiti and public opinion polls show a fragmented support base, with many unwilling to condone his actions in office.
Despite the legal barriers he faces and the deeply fissured political landscape, Morales’s influence as a leader is not entirely extinguished. His loyal base continues to express hunger for his leadership, particularly as President Arce grapples with rampant inflation and a struggling economy. Morales’s supporters threaten disruption should he not be allowed to run, indicating that his presence remains vital for many in Bolivia.
Recent gatherings of the MAS party have shown mixed support for Morales, as echoes of “Viva, Evo!” dwindle in size, hinting at a divided electorate. While some see his political future as uncertain, the opposition remains fragmented, and the public is increasingly agitated with the current administration’s inability to stabilize the economy.
Ultimately, while Morales’s past actions and current legal troubles cast a long shadow over his aspirations, many Bolivians still associate his name with hope for a return to better times. His presence remains influential, which continues to fuel debates about the future stability of Bolivia. As he emerged from isolation to attend to his coca fields recently, he was met with security and a rekindled interest from media, emphasizing that he is still a prominent figure on the national stage despite the challenges he faces.
