(VP/HR) Elections in Bolivia on 6 September
1.7.2020
Question for written answer E-003911/2020
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138
Idoia Villanueva Ruiz (GUE/NGL)
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Bolivia has set 6 September as the definitive date for the presidential elections which were postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. These elections will be held with an interim government formed after the resignation of President Evo Morales in November last year following allegations of fraud which were subsequently found to be false. This context of doubtful legitimacy is accentuated by the complaints that the political party of the former President Morales, MAS-IPSP, is making concerning harassment and difficulties experienced by candidates wanting to stand in the elections, accusations which culminated in yesterday’s attempt to disqualify Luis Arce, the candidate who is in the lead according to all the polls.
In light of the above, I should like to ask the Vice-President/High Representative the following questions:
- 1.Does the European Union intend to send a mission to observe the forthcoming presidential elections in Bolivia in order to ensure that they are conducted in keeping with all democratic safeguards and on equal terms for all parties, something which does not seem certain?
- 2.Will the European Union speak out regarding the attempts by the de facto Government of Bolivia to prevent the participation of the MAS-IPSP candidate, Luis Arce, who is in the lead according to all the polls?