Evo Morales has resigned from the MAS party, citing corruption and a betrayal of principles, and is now running for president with the Front for Victory. His resignation was clarified after initial procedural rejections. Morales continues to rally support amid legal challenges, as tensions within MAS escalate after the 2019 political crisis.
Evo Morales, the former president of Bolivia, formally resigned from the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party, represented by his legal team at the Electoral Tribunal. After leading MAS for over three decades, Morales is now campaigning for the presidency with the Front for Victory (FPV) following tensions with President Luis Arce regarding government and MAS leadership differences.
Morales’ resignation was framed as a defense of the Democratic and Cultural Revolution that the MAS governments have been known for since 2005. Héctor Rodríguez, who submitted the resignation, stated, “We cannot be part of a government that has been corrupted and that has betrayed basic principles.” Earlier attempts to resign had been rejected by the electoral authority due to procedural issues but were clarified later regarding alternative methods of resignation submission.
Since October 2024, Morales has resided in the Tropic of Cochabamba, rallying support to fend off an arrest warrant against him for serious charges. His presidency of MAS concluded in November 2024 after a congress favored by President Arce appointed a new leader, Grover García.
Despite the exodus of MAS militants loyal to Morales, pro-Morales lawmakers are strategically remaining in the party to retain their parliamentary seats. According to the Electoral Tribunal, out of approximately one million registered members, 1,686 militants have departed from MAS. Morales’ supporters are permitted to resign from the party up until the day before the general elections.
Having served as Bolivia’s president three times from 2006 to 2019, Morales sought a fourth term in 2019, but the elections were marred by allegations of fraud and claims of a coup against him, which the opposition contests. This rift within MAS emerged post-2019 political turmoil following Morales’ resignation from the presidency and subsequent exile. Despite a ruling against indefinite re-election, Morales maintains confidence in his candidacy for president.
Evo Morales has officially severed ties with the MAS party, igniting a political shift as he campaigns with the Front for Victory. His resignation is grounded in a stance against perceived corruption within the government. The departure of Morales’ supporters from MAS reflects increasing tensions within the party. Morales continues to challenge legal constraints on his candidacy, underscoring the ongoing political divisions in Bolivia.
Original Source: efe.com
