CUPW Statement: In solidarity with the people of Bolivia

CUPW congratulates the people of Bolivia on restoring the Movement for Socialism (MAS) to power and moving past their democratic crisis of 2019.

Last November, right-wing forces seized power in a complex series of events after politicizing the international electoral oversight process.

A mass movement of Bolivian civil society immediately assembled in la Paz, demanding that the original election results be respected, but violent military-supported counter-protests raged as well, injuring and intimidating Morales' family, and killing several pro-democracy supporters. Evo Morales had been re-elected, but was eventually forced to resign and accept asylum in Mexico.

Jeanine Áñez was installed as president in 2019, after several resignations in the line of succession. International governments including Canada supported the Áñez government, ignoring the popular domestic uprising that represented Bolivian Labour, Indigenous activists and organizations, and other civil society groups.

In short, neoliberal forces were able to install a pro-Washington government, against the will of the people. But now, through new peaceful, free and fair elections, Bolivians have reasserted their popular will and repaired their democracy.

The Áñez government delayed the 2020 elections because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the vote took place on October 18. Luis Arce of the MAS was elected President with 55% of the popular vote.

In November 2019 CUPW condemned the coup and the violence that enforced it, and we now join with Bolivians in celebrating their success in restoring democracy and progressive government. This is a blow to U.S. Imperialism, and a victory for Bolivian civil society and for believers in democracy and progressive policy world-wide. Morales is cleared to go home, and the new government can build on his legacy.