Evo Morales incited his followers to use violence against the TSE to force his registration.

Former dictator Evo Morales has reignited political tensions by stating that his supporters will seek to force his registration with the TSE. During his Sunday radio program, he issued direct warnings against the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).

He demanded that his candidacy be allowed despite constitutional restrictions. "If they don't accept, the people will get heated," Morales said in a defiant tone. The message was interpreted as a call for violent pressure.

The march called by the Evo faction aims to force Morales's registration in the August elections. This is the second mobilization in less than two weeks with the same objective.

On May 16, his supporters attempted to take over the TSE without success. That day ended with arrests and clashes. Nevertheless, Morales insists on repeating the strategy.

The coca growers' leader is currently taking refuge in the tropics of Cochabamba. There, he confirmed that the central objective of the marches is his qualification as a candidate. He also denounced an alleged political persecution against him.

He stated that he is facing a "judicial war" driven by Luis Arce's government. Morales has an outstanding arrest warrant for human trafficking.

From Potosí, Evo faction leaders threatened to plunge the country into turmoil if their leader is not registered. Some even suggested preventing the general elections. "There will be no elections if Evo is not a candidate," a representative stated.

This threat adds to other similar statements made in recent days. The tone of the speeches is causing concern in the political sphere.

Guarantees for committing crimes?

Wilma Alanoca, candidate for Vice President for the Evo Pueblo front, also called for mobilization. In a message shared on social media, she demanded guarantees for the march.

She denounced repression during the previous mobilization on May 16. She accused the TSE of bias and discrimination against the Evo faction. However, she was careful not to label the march as "peaceful."

Despite the call, Morales tried to distance himself from possible consequences. “Don't blame Evo,” he said when referring to the protest hotspots. He assured that the mobilization is spontaneous.

He also pointed out that it is due to a combination of factors such as the economic crisis and lack of justice. Nevertheless, his own statements contradict that position.

The Government  activated security measures in response to the threat of protests. The National Police deployed officers at the entrances to La Paz. Security was also reinforced at the TSE and other strategic institutions.

The departmental deputy commander, Colonel Andrés Willy Paz, confirmed the operations. They seek to prevent disturbances and preserve constitutional order.

The Unity Pact, aligned with Arce's government, denounced the mobilizations as attempts at destabilization. Its spokesperson Vidal Gómez stated that radical sectors want to generate chaos.

He warned that they seek a breakdown of democratic order. He asked the population not to join the actions promoted by the Evo faction. He also requested that the electoral calendar be respected.

Luis Arce pointed to the Evo faction

 

Luis Arce accused Morales of wanting to shorten his term through mobilizations. He also held him responsible for attempting to prevent the elections. "They want to cause deaths," the president said at an event in Chuquisaca.

He accused the Evo faction of seeking the fall of the government. He reiterated that the elections will take place in August.

The conflict within MAS is intensifying. The Evo faction accuses Arce of being a traitor. Meanwhile, the renewal wing denounces that Morales wants to remain in power indefinitely.

The cross accusations increase the risk of confrontations. Each side clings to its narrative to justify its actions.

Morales's spokespersons maintain that the march represents the vast majority. They claim that the TSE and the Constitutional Tribunal have submitted to political instructions.

They also assert that Morales is a victim of judicial persecution. They argue that his candidacy is a popular right. However, they ignore the constitutional ruling that disqualifies him.

The former president dismissed the judicial rulings that prevent him from running. He said that the sentences seek to exclude him through legal means.

He accused the TSE of stealing his party's acronym. He stated that there is a "political-judicial tyranny." He promised to continue fighting until he is qualified.

Meanwhile, the coca growers' bases are announcing new pressure measures. Morales anticipated that between 5% and 15% of his unions will travel to La Paz.

The figure represents thousands of people. He assured that they are willing to do whatever it takes to guarantee his candidacy. He stated that the struggle will continue if he is not heard.

The conflict raised by the coca grower leader puts the electoral process at risk. The threats of turmoil seek to bend the Electoral Body. However, the authorities have reiterated that they will enforce the law.