Western media reported today, Monday, that Baz, aged 58, received 54.5% of the votes in the second round of the presidential elections, after counting more than 97% of the ballots, according to what was announced by the Supreme Electoral Court. Meanwhile, it confirmed that his competitor, former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, received 45.4% of the votes. Baz is expected to assume his duties on November 8, succeeding outgoing President Luis Arce, who refrained from running again after five years during which the country suffered its worst economic crisis in four decades. It is noted that Bolivia is experiencing a severe fuel crisis due to the collapse of gas exports and the depletion of foreign currency reserves, which has led to inflation rising to more than 23% and long queues forming at gas stations. Rodrigo Baz’s economic program relies on reducing, especially fuel subsidies, as well as enhancing private sector openness and implementing the concept of “capitalism for all” based on decentralization and financial discipline, before resorting to any new indebtedness.
