Polls close, counting begins in Bolivia’s presidential elections

BOGOTA, Colombia

Bolivians went to the polls Sunday in an election that could see the governing leftist Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party out of power for the first time in 20 years.

A total of eight candidates are competing for the presidency and legislative seats amid a severe economic crisis and climate of social tension.

More than 7.9 million people were eligible to vote in the country of about 12.5 million, where voting is required by law.

According to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal headed by Oscar Hassenteufel, election day proceeded peacefully without significant incidents.

"Overall, it was a peaceful day; no events have been reported that could undermine that," he said.

After the polls closed, electoral officials began a preliminary count. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal announced that the first official results were expected at 9 pm local time (0100GMT Monday) and the first exit polls results will be known at about 8 pm local time (0000GMT Monday).

According to the latest published polls, the right is poised to return to power. Polls show a virtual tie between two right-wing candidates: center-right business magnate Samuel Doria Medina and former President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, with each holding around 20% of the vote. The other six candidates are polling far behind.

​​​​​​​Whoever becomes president will have to lead the destiny of a country facing its worst economic crisis in 40 years.

The polls also show a high percentage of blank, null and undecided votes, exceeding 30%. This figure outnumbers the support for any single candidate, underscoring the population's dissatisfaction with the political options.

In this scenario, a runoff election is highly likely. To win the first round, a candidate must secure an absolute majority (more than 50% of the vote) or at least 40% with a 10-point lead over their closest rival.

A second round, which would be held on Oct. 19 between the top two candidates, has been widely anticipated.