Alleged resignation of Hassenteufel sparked fears that the election might be postponed.

A supposed rumor put the country on edge, less than a month before the general elections. On Tuesday afternoon, the version circulated that Óscar Hassenteufel, current president of the TSE, had resigned from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.

The alleged resignation triggered alerts in political and citizen sectors. Many feared an institutional crisis that could jeopardize the August 17 process. However, the news was denied by the electoral body itself.

The confusion arose after a publication by some media outlets. On social media, journalist John Arandia, after being questioned for spreading the supposed resignation, insisted that Hassenteufel resigned from the vice presidency. "I stand by it," he wrote.

That statement raised doubts both inside and outside the ruling party. Even opposition leaders expressed concern. The uncertainty grew throughout the day.

Board member Gustavo Ávila was the first to clarify the matter. In a press conference, he explained that there was no formal resignation. The TSE's Full Chamber, he said, only addressed a request for medical leave.

That leave will last for three days. During that period, Hassenteufel will be absent for health reasons.

Given the temporary absence, board member Yajaira San Martín assumed the interim presidency. Ávila explained that this was decided by the Full Chamber.

Subsequently, he emphasized that the board member will perform duties until Hassenteufel's return. He added that electoral activities will continue as normal. He also requested respect for the board member's privacy.

The TSE denied the resignation

The TSE reiterated that Hassenteufel did not submit any resignation. An official statement refuted the rumors.

The institution called for not spreading false information. It stated that the electoral process is proceeding. It urged the media to act responsibly.

However, the rumor left a mark. Sectors such as the Santa Cruz Civic Committee showed concern. Its president, Stello Cochamanidis, called for vigilance.

He also stated that any attempt to disrupt the process must be rejected. He considered that the TSE must act firmly. He said transparency must be a priority.

There were also reactions in the Popular Alliance. Hugo Valverde, spokesperson in Santa Cruz, expressed his concern. He said that the alleged resignation would have left the TSE headless.

He also warned that this could compromise the August elections. He suspected there might be a hidden intention. "We wouldn't want a dark hand to sabotage the process," he said.

Alleged resignation of Hassenteufel

Óscar Hassenteufel assumed the interim presidency of the TSE in April. He was already president of the now-defunct National Electoral Court.

In 2005, he handed the presidential credential to former dictator Evo Morales. He returned to the Electoral Body in 2019. Since then, he has been one of its main faces.

Despite the tension, the TSE assured that the schedule will not change. The board members ruled out any impact on the electoral calendar.

They also indicated that work continues as normal in all regions. They confirmed the date of August 17. They insisted that institutional stability is guaranteed.

Distrust in the TSE

This controversy highlights the fragility of the pre-electoral climate. It also shows the low credibility enjoyed by the electoral institution.

The electoral authorities now face the challenge of strengthening trust. The credibility of the process depends on firm communication. Total institutional transparency is also required.

The country is heading toward a crucial election. Any disruption can provoke citizen distrust. That's why it is vital for the TSE to act with clarity.

Medical leaves should not generate anxiety. However, they must be handled with judgment and responsibility.

The episode set a negative precedent ahead of the elections. The uncertainty caused by the events that occurred during the pre-electoral stage keeps the population on edge.

In this regard, the dissemination of unverified data can have serious consequences. That's why it is urgent to reinforce the commitment to the truth.