Bolivia's Election Returns Power to the People
The return of Bolivia's Movement for Socialism is a huge victory for the people of Bolivia, their democracy and the cause of socialism.
(Gaston Brito Miserocchi / Getty Images)
The wave of socialist governments elected in Latin America in the 21st century brought great hope to the people of the continent. Starting with Chavez in Venezuela in 1999, left-wing leaders won power for the most oppressed in their society. These countries have had a horrible history of being exploited by their local capitalists class in favour of foreign capital and MNCs. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Rafael Correa of Ecuador, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner of Argentina and José Mujica of Uruguay were some of the other left-wing leaders brought to power in the ‘pink tide’.
Then, of course, among these leaders was Evo Morales of Bolivia. The first indigenous person to become president in 2006, he started out as the son of poor llama herders and was a coca grower, becoming a popular national figure as a leader within the trade union. Before becoming president, he bravely fought the privatization of Bolivia’s natural resources, was expelled from Congress for supporting anti-government protesters and opposed the pro-US regime. As a socialist in power in the poorest country in Latin America, he tripled the country’s GDP, lifted millions out of poverty and made sure the profits from its natural resources returns to the people.
As many other Latin American countries did the same, used their natural resource wealth to take their people out of poverty, the ‘pink tide’ came under attack from the United States and their allies on the continent. So when Morales won the election for a fourth term, the military stepped in and installed an extreme Christian, far-right/fascist and anti-indigenous government. This, of course, happened with US approval. Even Elon Musk joked about overthrowing governments wherever he wants. As the fascist government of Jeanine Áñez attempted to destroy Morales’ legacy, the people noticed how their lives were worse under this unelected government.
The election victory by Morales’ party, the Movement for Socialism (MAS) was a firm rejection of the far-right capitalist agenda and a return of power to the people. Having won more than half the country’s vote and eliminating the need for a second round, MAS’ Luis Arce has ensured that the right-wing and military could not overthrow him or contest the results. As the Bolivian people celebrate this great victory, we stand with them as they keep their democracy and the fire of socialism alive.