Bolivia's Big Choice: Two Candidates, One Big Crisis

Bolivia is at a crossroads. The country is facing its worst economic crisis in 40 years, and the people have a tough choice to make. Two pro-business candidates are in the running, and both have similar plans. They want to cut government spending, reduce fuel subsidies, let the currency drop, and improve ties with the U. S. They also want to bring in more foreign investment, especially for Bolivia's huge lithium deposits in the Andes. The runoff election is happening now. Polls closed at 4 p. m. , and early results are expected after 8 p. m. The winner will take office on November 8. But who will it be? Senator Rodrigo Paz or former President Jorge Tuto Quiroga? Paz surprised everyone in the first round. He got 32% of the vote, even though polls didn't expect it. He won over rural and working-class voters who were fed up with the socialist party in power for the past 20 years. His running mate, Edman Lara, a former police officer who became famous for fighting corruption, also helped him gain support. Quiroga got 27% in the first round. He was president for a short time in 2001 and 2002. He's popular with upper- and middle-class voters, many of whom are wary of left-wing politics. Both candidates have visited Washington recently. This shows they want better relations with the U. S. after years of tension. U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio even said both candidates want stronger ties with the U. S. But there's a difference between the two. Quiroga wants to work with the International Monetary Fund right away. Paz, on the other hand, wants to fix Bolivia's finances first before turning to the IMF. This election is a big deal. It's not just about choosing a leader. It's about choosing a path for Bolivia's future. The country is in crisis, and the people are hoping for change.