The coca grower senator believes that the left will lose strength if the Evistas persist in their protest. He said that this is a time for unity, not personal whims.
Evistas, however, are not backing down. They consider that Rodríguez is part of the same system that excluded them. They reject his calls for unity as opportunism.
They accuse him of having served interests foreign to the people. They point out that his candidacy only benefits party elites.
To justify his measure, Morales attacked the other candidates. He said that they all represent the neoliberal model. He assured that their proposals serve the IMF.
He also stated that no one is proposing a real alternative for the people. The null vote is the only way to reject that direction.
Morales also announced that he will meet with foreign delegations. It will be in Chapare, on August 2 and 3. The event will be part of RUNASUR, a regional socialist bloc.
The former dictator said that they will continue fighting at the continental level. He promised that Bolivia will not be handed over to the right.
The measure seeks to delegitimize the next government
Los seguidores de Morales adelantaron que repartirán volantes con la consigna “sin Evo, voto nulo”
Meanwhile, the Evistas have launched the campaign for the null vote. In different cities, campaign houses have already been set up.
Morales's followers announced that they will get on buses and go door to door to attract more supporters. They also announced that they will distribute flyers with the slogan "without Evo, null vote". They seek to delegitimize the process before August 17.
Some analysts warn that this initiative seeks to generate uncertainty. It could take votes away from MAS and benefit the opposition.
Meanwhile, MAS leaders call for reflection. They ask people not to fall into the trap of divisionism. They urge the grassroots to participate actively at the polls.
But the Evistas respond with distrust. They consider that Arce betrayed Morales and planned to leave Morales out of the elections.
Morales also announced that he will reorganize self-defense committees. He assured that he will not give up in the face of any offensive.
During his speech, the coca grower insisted that he is being deliberately excluded. He declared that millions of people do not feel represented without him on the ballot.
According to his words, rejection of the elections is growing. He said that campaign houses for the null vote have already been set up. His grassroots would have taken the initiative without waiting for instructions.
The former dictator indicated that writing "Evo" on the ballot will be an act of resistance. He claims that the null vote is legitimate if his name is not on the ballot.
Several social sectors already support the proposal to annul the vote. They have even held press conferences to spread their position. Some believe that the null vote could reach more than 50 percent.
Evistas announce opening of campaign house
Evistas anunciaron que recorrerán las calles, micros y casas
In Santa Cruz, sectors allied with the coca grower plan to open at least 15 campaign houses. One for each municipal district.
They also announced that they will go through the streets, buses, and houses. Their goal is to convince the population to vote null. They say that this is how the voice of the betrayed people is defended.
Evista deputy Ányelo Céspedes will lead the Santa Cruz campaign for the null vote. He declared that they will not allow a single ballot to go to Andrónico.
Céspedes stated that Morales's followers firmly oppose their vote benefiting MAS traitors. They maintain that Morales is the only one with real leadership. Without him, there is no left in these elections.
Assembly member José Yuca supported that position from Tarija. He said that Morales was betrayed by leaders such as Andrónico and Eva Copa.
He also assured that Evo's votes will not go to anyone else. He criticized being forced to choose between options that do not represent the peasant movement. He insisted that the decision has already been made by the grassroots.
Criticism from Andrónico Rodríguez
Andrónico busca el respaldo del evismo
Andrónico Rodríguez, candidate of the Popular Alliance, strongly criticized the campaign for the null vote. He warned them that annulling the vote is like voting for the right. He called on his former colleagues to reconsider and not divide the electorate.
