A massive citizen mobilization, estimated at *over three million people* by organizers, took place this Thursday, marching from El Alto to La Paz, calling on the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) to validate former president Evo Morales as a candidate in the upcoming elections on August 17. This protest, described as the *largest in Bolivia’s history*, caused significant traffic disruptions, garnered support from onlookers, and resulted in clashes with police, who used tear gas against protesters near Plaza Avaroa.
The unprecedented march began organizing at 5:00 a.m. in El Alto, as thousands from Cochabamba, Oruro, Chuquisaca, Potosí, Tarija, and other regions gathered with flags, posters, and slogans in support of Morales. By 8:30 a.m., a sea of people and vehicle caravans moved toward downtown La Paz, chanting: *“Evo yes, coup plotters no.”* Along the route, locals cheered and handed out water to the marchers, while social media flooded with images showing streets packed with demonstrators.
The central demand from the crowd was clear: to urge the TSE to allow the leader of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) to run for president, despite his legal disqualification in place since 2019. Morales, who did not lead the march, was acknowledged by police chief Augusto Russo as “identified among the people,” although no arrest was made. *“Let us work, we are doing that,”* the general replied angrily to reporters when questioned about the situation.
Clashes and Repression
Around 1:30 p.m., the march reached the Prado in La Paz, split into two columns: one along Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz and the other along Federico Suazo. However, tensions escalated near Plaza Avaroa, when police forces launched tear gas at protesters trying to advance toward the TSE. *“We were gassed for no reason. We were just demanding democracy,”* reported an injured woman, as groups of marchers retreated and retaliated with stones.
The conflict lasted for *more than three hours*, intensifying when police intervened in another rally on Avenida Arce, near the Ministry of Education. Witnesses reported dozens of injuries and arrests, though authorities have yet to release official numbers. Local hospitals confirmed the treatment of injured individuals suffering from trauma and gas exposure.
A Polarized Country
The size of the protest underscores Morales’s political significance, as he seeks a fourth term despite having resigned in 2019 amid fraud accusations and a controversial disqualification. His supporters argue that his exclusion is *“a political attack,”* while opposition groups reject the possibility of his candidacy.
Analysts agree that the march marks a turning point: *“Mobilizing supposedly three million in a country of 12 million is a show of strength by MAS. This will pressure the TSE and reshape the electoral landscape,”* stated political scientist Carlos Cordero.
Unanswered Institutional Requests
As of this edition’s closing, the TSE had not responded to the demand, and the government of Luis Arce, ally of Morales, refrained from making comments. The day highlighted the social fracture and the ongoing institutional crisis in Bolivia, while MAS supporters warn: *“This is not over today. We will return as many times as necessary.”*
With streets still smoldering and the specter of conflict reappearing, Bolivia faces a new chapter in its political history, with the shadow of Evo Morales continuing to play a leading role.