The recent presidential election in Bolivia revealed significant voter dissatisfaction, as more than 19% of ballots were spoiled in the first round held on August 17, 2025. This is the first time since the nation’s return to democracy in 1982 that the election will proceed to a runoff. With no candidate obtaining the necessary absolute majority, Bolivians must now choose between center-right Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira, who garnered approximately 32% of valid votes, and former interim President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, who received nearly 27%.
The poor performance of leftist candidates, particularly Andrónico Rodríguez, who secured only around 8%, underscores a dramatic shift in the political landscape. The rate of invalid ballots has quadrupled compared to previous elections from 2006 to 2020, when only about 5% were deemed invalid. These invalid votes, which include blank and spoiled ballots, are often interpreted as a form of protest against the current political system.
The high percentage of spoiled ballots reflects widespread discontent with the political and economic status quo in Bolivia. The country has been grappling with a dual crisis rooted in a volatile economic environment. Following a commodity boom driven by lithium and natural gas exports, Bolivia’s economy began to decline in the 2010s as global commodity prices fell. Currently, national debt has soared to 95% of the country’s GDP, while inflation has surged to an annual rate of 24%. Fuel shortages and reduced international currency reserves further exacerbate the situation, compelling candidates across the political spectrum to propose austerity measures.
Political Divisions and Voter Sentiment
The election also highlights significant divisions within Bolivia’s political left, particularly around the figure of Evo Morales, the first Indigenous president who served from 2006 until 2019. His administration was marked by notable achievements in poverty reduction and middle-class expansion, yet it faced accusations of undermining democratic institutions, including allegations of election fraud that led to his departure in 2019. Morales returned to Bolivia in 2020 after a political ally, Luis Arce, assumed the presidency.
This election cycle saw Morales barred from running again due to term limits imposed by the constitutional court. Despite this, he remains a powerful figure in Bolivian politics. His recent actions included campaigning for the null vote, a strategy to draw attention to the perceived injustices of his exclusion from the ballot. Campaigns advocating for blank or spoiled votes have been prevalent in Latin America, often as a response to dissatisfaction with political options.
Morales framed the null vote as a means to protest against restrictions that limited his ability to run, suggesting that widespread ballot spoiling would convey a message to the current political leadership. However, such campaigns often struggle to gain public support, particularly when led by candidates with personal stakes in the outcome. Morales acknowledged the challenges of this approach, stating he could have “won the elections” if the null vote reached 25%.
The Future of Bolivian Democracy
While the substantial number of spoiled ballots indicates voter frustration, it is crucial to recognize that this does not equate to overwhelming support for Morales. Pre-election polling suggested that many voters intended to cast invalid votes regardless of Morales’ campaign. The results demonstrate that the majority of voters opted for candidates on the right, which contradicts Morales’ assertions of broad public backing.
Despite the significant proportion of invalid ballots, the null vote did not surpass the runoff candidates. This suggests that while many Bolivians used their ballots as a form of protest, the ultimate choice leaned towards right-leaning candidates. The turnout of over 1 million spoiled ballots signals a clear message from the electorate: dissatisfaction with the current political choices and a demand for better representation.
As Bolivia moves toward the runoff election in October 2025, it faces ongoing social, political, and economic challenges. The high rate of spoiled votes serves as a wake-up call for leaders, urging them to rebuild trust with voters. The outcome of the upcoming election will likely play a critical role in shaping the future direction of Bolivia, as citizens continue to express their discontent with the political status quo and seek meaningful change.
