Evistas indicated that the mandatory debate would harm the disqualified Evo Morales.

The Evo-supporting sectors have expressed their concern regarding the mandatory debate law, pointing out that this measure seeks to "overshadow" Evo Morales. Deputy Gualberto Arispe denounced that the initiative is a strategy by the opposition and Arcista sectors to harm the coca leader. He assured that the true purpose is to gain political advantages in a context where Morales, according to him, is the favorite candidate.

The mandatory debate was promoted as part of a commitment made at the Third Multiparty and Interinstitutional Meeting for Democracy. The regulation aims to ensure that citizens have direct access to information from the candidates and their programs. According to the proposal, the debates must take place within fifteen days prior to the elections, and the participation of the candidates would be mandatory.

The lack of attendance would lead to sanctions established by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. From the Evo-supporting wing of the Movement for Socialism, they argue that the mandatory nature of the debate violates essential rights. Deputy Jhonny Pardo stated that this rule forces Morales to campaign when he prefers to debate "with the people".

He also argued that no candidate can be forced to debate under a scheme imposed by the opposition. He emphasized that this project should return to the Constitution Commission to be reviewed and adjusted. In the last session of the Chamber of Deputies, some legislators requested to review the sanctions established in the law.

Meanwhile, the president of the Chamber, Omar Yujra, explained that it is necessary to define the consequences for candidates who do not participate. He highlighted that the debate, in addition to being mandatory, must be in-person, which has caused more questions from Evo-supporting sectors. He assured that experts from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal will be called to address these observations.

The mandatory debate has been supported by more than a hundred organizations that defend the right to an informed vote. The National Press Association and other entities have pointed out that if voting is mandatory, candidates should be obliged to debate. They recalled that presidential debates have not been held in the country for twenty years and consider the law will strengthen democracy and citizen participation.

Masismo has shown divided positions regarding this measure. While the Arcistas support the regulation, the Evo-supporters argue that it is a political strategy. Arispe insisted that the debate only seeks to discredit Morales, who, according to him, remains the main figure in the electoral process.

He also added that the right and the government are trying to weaken his image before the population. However, from Comunidad Ciudadana, they maintain that Morales should not fear the law, as he is legally disqualified.

Omar Yujra reiterated that the rule must be applied equally to all candidates. He explained that the objective is to allow citizens to have direct access to political proposals.

He also added that the penalization for those who do not attend seeks to guarantee the seriousness of the process. He emphasized that the parliamentary session was suspended to define these aspects with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.

Deputy Jhonny Pardo warned that the law imposes arbitrary rules and creates inequality in the electoral contest. He said that Morales has always used his government program to explain his proposals directly to the people.

In this sense, he rejected the idea that a televised debate is the only valid form of political discussion. He stated that the Evo-supporting MAS will continue to defend Morales's right not to participate.

Does the ex-dictator fear the debate?

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal considers that the mandatory debate is a necessary democratic mechanism. They argue that the absence of debates has harmed the democratic exercise in recent decades. They emphasized that the objective is to provide clear information so that the electorate can make informed decisions.

In the legislative session, the possible modification of the Electoral Regime Law was also discussed. A bill was approved to strengthen the Preliminary Electoral Results Transmission System (TREP). Some parliamentarians argued that this system will ensure greater transparency in the August elections.

Deputy Alejandro Reyes, from Comunidad Ciudadana, rejected the accusations that the law seeks to harm Morales. He indicated that the debate is key to democratic strengthening. He considered that Morales's refusal to participate demonstrates a lack of confidence in his own proposals.

Tensions in the Legislative Assembly have increased due to disagreements over this rule. While the Arcista MAS and the opposition support the law, the Evo-supporters maintain their rejection. The discussion on the tightening of sanctions remains open and will be debated in the coming days.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal must rule on the proposed adjustments before their final approval. Meanwhile, the Evo-supporting sectors insist that it is a strategy against Morales. The opposition and other political forces defend its implementation as a democratic tool.