The owner of UCS held a meeting with Félix Patzi and delegates of Andrónico Rodríguez and Eva Copa over the weekend
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The leader of Unidad Cívica Solidaridad (UCS), Jhonny Fernández, met at his home with Félix Patzi and envoys from Andrónico Rodríguez and Eva Copa. The meeting was secretive and lasted about two hours, according to reports from local media.
Although there are no official confirmations regarding all attendees, the intention to reorganize sectors close to masismo is already evident.
During a press conference, Fernández did not rule out withdrawing his presidential candidacy if that helps achieve effective unity. He stated that the main goal is to win in the first round. "There is no room for selfishness here," he said, leaving the door open to his resignation.
The mayor of Santa Cruz reiterated that the most important thing is to respond to the call to reunify the socialist factions. His change in discourse marks a turning point compared to his role in 2020, when he was an ally of Creemos.
The result of the meeting was the preliminary design of the so-called "Frente de Unidad Popular". Although there are no decisions regarding the tickets, everyone agrees that Andrónico is the figure with the greatest projection.
"Andrónico's candidacy is not up for discussion," Patzi assured. Fernández added that the senator has the profile of a first-round winner.
Regarding the meeting, Fernández stated that the technical committees are still working in La Paz. They are evaluating the progress of each working group, and a final statement is expected by June 6. On that day, the candidacies will be officially announced, and it will be determined who continues and who withdraws.
For now, UCS doesn't have a presidential ticket or finalized lists of legislators. Everything will depend on the final decisions made in high-level meetings.
The possibility of a single candidacy in the popular social bloc is also generating tension within "evismo." Former minister Teresa Morales publicly denounced that a "coalition against the people" is being formed.
She pointed directly to Rodríguez, Copa, Patzi, and Fernández as those responsible for blocking the "process of change". For Morales, this articulation seeks to defend Luis Arce and exclude Evo Morales.
Union around the protégé of the former dictator
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Fernández defended himself from the criticism and said that his role is to listen to the citizens. He assured that the country needs reconciliation, not more polarization. "We obey what the people want", he stated.
He also downplayed the importance of polls that place UCS with low voting intention. He recalled that in the municipal elections he was also underestimated and ended up winning the mayoralty. "The best poll is the one on the street", he declared.
For the UCS leader, the key is to add territorial structures and not divide forces. He said that if the popular bloc is consolidated, a strong campaign will be launched from all regions. "We're going to go all in," he stated enthusiastically.
He added that unity can't remain just words, but must be reflected in a concrete proposal. In that process, Rodríguez emerges as the consensus candidate.
Meanwhile, Patzi expressed confidence that those difficulties will be overcome. The only way to ensure victory, according to him, is with certainty and unity.
Eva Copa was not present at the meeting, although her party Morena reportedly sent representatives. Some media outlets indicated her participation, but this was later denied.
Even so, her figure remains relevant in the construction of the coalition. Her influence in El Alto gives her territorial weight within the bloc. The final decision regarding her role will also depend on this week's negotiations.
Legally, it is no longer possible to register new alliances. The deadline expired on May 18 and the deadline for candidacies on May 19. However, the substitution of candidates due to resignation is still permitted.
That would be the mechanism UCS or MTS would use to join a common bloc. That's why Fernández insists that "there is time until the 6th of this month." Only political will is required.
Patzi warned that if MTS withdraws from this election, it would lose its legal status. But he believes that will not happen because the judicial process against his party will not move forward. Meanwhile, they are holding on to Andrónico as their candidate.
"The important thing is to build true unity", repeats the former governor of La Paz. He agrees with Fernández that the popular bloc must be the answer to the opposition's division.
Jhonny Fernández's moves show a political transformation that unsettles several fronts. His role as host and facilitator did not go unnoticed.
His intention to be part of the new national political framework is clear. It remains to be seen whether he will do so as a candidate or as a key piece in Andrónico's electoral machinery.
