Bolivian protesters block major highways in bid to put ex-president Morales back on the ballot

Jan 30, 2024 |

A week of road blockades in Bolivia has led to food and fuel shortages as supporters of former president Evo Morales protest his disqualification from 2025 elections, authorities said Monday.

Protesters, led by coca growers — the mainstay of Morales’ political base — began by blocking eight highways a week ago with stones, logs and bonfires.

“Today we have 25 blockade points in the country, generating a nationwide shortage of food and petrol,” said Jhonny Aguilera, an interior ministry official, at a press conference.

Morales is calling the protests an “all or nothing fight” against the judges who voted for his disqualification. “The people have a right to choose their president in a fair election and the decision should not be left in the hands of reactionary magistrates,” he said.

The cities worst affected by the shortages are the capital La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, the economic powerhouse of the country.

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