Rodrigo Paz Pereira Wins Bolivia Presidency, Ending 20 Years of Leftist Rule

Centrist senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira has won the presidency of Bolivia in a runoff election, securing 54.5% of the vote against conservative rival Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, who received 45.5%, according to preliminary results from the electoral tribunal. This victory marks the end of nearly 20 years of leftist rule by the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party amid a severe economic crisis.

In his victory speech, Paz pledged to restore diplomatic relations with the United States, which were severed in 2008 under former President Evo Morales. He also expressed intentions to seek new partnerships for Bolivia"s lithium reserves, emphasizing a commitment to "capitalism for all" and anti-corruption reforms while maintaining existing social programs.

This election outcome represents a significant shift in Bolivia"s political landscape, as the country transitions away from leftist governance after two decades.