The TSE closed registrations with 16 contenders in the race: 11 parties and 5 alliances.

The Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) closed the registration period for the general elections on August 17 this Friday, April 18. At 11:59 PM, the deadline concluded and the registration of 11 political parties and 5 alliances was confirmed. In total, 16 political fronts will compete in the electoral process.

The TSE's Chamber Secretary, Fernando Arteaga, reported that all applications were received within the deadline. The submitted documentation will be evaluated in the coming days. The registered alliances are Libre, Alianza Popular, Unidad, Libertad y Progreso, and La Fuerza del Pueblo.

Each is made up of different political organizations, for example, Libre unites Democrats with the Revolutionary Left Front. Meanwhile, Libertad y Progreso was registered by ADN along with regional groups, La Fuerza del Pueblo is made up of UCS and the Movement of Popular Organizations (MOP).

Separately, the parties Frente Para la Victoria (FPV), Autonomía Para Bolivia – Súmate, Nueva Generación Patriótica (NGP), Unidad Nacional (UN), and Acción Democrática Nacionalista (ADN) registered. Also enabled are MAS-IPSP, PAN.BOL, the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Morena, the Revolutionary Nationalist Movement (MNR), and Civic Solidarity Unity (UCS).

Some of these parties appear both solo and as part of alliances, and according to the TSE, this responds to administrative requirements. The review of the documents submitted by the alliances will be technical and legal. The goal is to verify compliance with the requirements established by law.

Fernando Arteaga explained that the technical report will determine whether an alliance will be recognized or not, the procedure seeks to ensure transparency and fairness in the process. The decisions will be notified to the parties and published officially. Compliance with the electoral calendar is a priority for the TSE, the validation of alliances is one of the key stages.

Amid the registrations, it was also known that three indigenous organizations submitted letters to the TSE. They request to participate on equal terms with the political parties, among them are CIDOB and CONNIOB. Their representatives warned of legal actions if their request is not addressed and even mentioned the possibility of paralyzing the electoral process.

The TSE's member, Tahuichi Tahuichi, expressed his support for the indigenous request. He stated that the organizations should be enabled to participate in the elections, but clarified that the final decision is in the hands of the Constitutional Court. Currently, these requests will be reviewed by the Plenary Chamber, the issue has caused debate within the electoral body.

Do more fronts emerge to support MAS members?

Among the alliances, the registration of Alianza Popular, led by Félix Patzi, stood out. This coalition includes MTS, PSR, and MATE, Patzi left open the possibility of a pact with Andrónico Rodríguez. However, he clarified that there is no closed agreement and the selection of candidates within that alliance will be defined by May 15.

Another alliance that drew attention was Libertad y Progreso, which was registered by ADN, this party negotiated with analyst Jaime Dunn, who finally abandoned the project. Dunn requested to include MNR, which was accepted by ADN and decided to join another group at the last minute. The breakup forced ADN to reorganize its electoral strategy.

UCS, the party of Mayor Jhonny Fernández, registered its alliance as La Fuerza del Pueblo. It was the fifth to register, just hours before the deadline and Fernández anticipated that he will be the presidential candidate for that coalition. He assured that in the coming days they will present the complete ticket, the alliance also includes MOP, from Potosí.

Among the new parties is the National Renewal Movement (MORENA), which presents itself as the first party from El Alto in the 2025 elections. Its registration was supported by former senator Eva Copa. MORENA did not form alliances and positions itself as a youthful alternative, its discourse seeks to differentiate itself from traditional parties.

During the final day of registrations, the TSE received applications until midnight. Good Friday became a key date for political configuration and ten registrations were completed just that day. The atmosphere was one of urgency and constant movement, delegates arrived until the last minute with their documents.

With this stage closed, the electoral process moves toward the verification of candidacies. The coming weeks will be decisive in defining the political landscape, theTSE will have to solve the observations and officially enable the fronts. Starting in May, the electoral campaign is expected to begin and the vote is scheduled for August 17.

The alliances could still undergo modifications if any do not pass the review, in that case, the member parties may continue individually. The TSE emphasized that it will ensure a transparent process. Any decision can be challenged through legal mechanisms.