Former Bolivian president Evo Morales announced that he will join the political party Front for Victory (FPV) and will run as the "sole candidate" for the presidency in the elections on August 17, after losing leadership of the ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) that he held for almost 30 years.
Morales made the announcement from the Tropics of Cochabamba, his political and union stronghold, where he is being protected by his supporters to avoid an arrest warrant against him. He stated that he will join the FPV to win the national elections and save Bolivia from the current crisis.
The agreement between the movement led by Morales and the FPV stipulates that Evo Morales will be the "sole candidate" for the Presidency, while the candidate for the Vice Presidency will be defined later. A "coincidence" was noted between both blocks in principles and values to get the country out of the crisis.
The FPV, which participated in previous elections, has reached an agreement with Morales in this new political phase. On his part, Morales is preparing to register his candidacy accompanied by thousands of supporters who will march to La Paz on a date to be confirmed.
Although reelection in Bolivia is limited to one term, Morales insists that he is eligible to run again. The rift between Morales and President Luis Arce has deepened in recent years due to differences in state administration and the direction of the MAS.
José Luis Arce has not confirmed his candidacy, but he is emerging as the main option for the MAS according to several analysts, given his position within the party and control of the state apparatus.
