Bolivians Elect Center-Right Senator Rodrigo Paz as President
The Bolivians elected center-right senator Rodrigo Paz as the president of the country on Sunday, which is currently facing a severe economic crisis that ended two decades of left-wing socialist governments.
In his first statement after the release of the results, Paz stated that Bolivia is "gradually regaining its place on the international stage." Paz, who obtained 54.6% of the votes after counting 97.8% of the ballots according to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, added: "We must open Bolivia to the world and restore its role."
As soon as the results were announced, the streets of La Paz, which were almost deserted until then, filled with supporters of the elected president, accompanied by the sounds of fireworks, cheers, and music.
His rival, Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, who conceded defeat at a hotel in La Paz, stated: "I called Rodrigo Paz Pereira to congratulate him."
Addressing the media, the elected vice president, Edmand Lara, called for "unity and reconciliation among Bolivians."
Paz will take office on November 8, succeeding outgoing President Luis Arce, who had declined to run for re-election after five years in power marked by the worst economic crisis the country has faced in four decades.
