Manfred Reyes Villa and Chi Hyun Chung announced their alliance with a view to the August elections. Both assured that they have programmatic similarities and that their union seeks to strengthen democracy.
However, this alliance raises serious doubts about their true intentions. Many critics see this agreement as a strategy to divide the opposition vote to benefit the ruling party.
One of the most questioned aspects is the context in which this alliance was formed. Manfred and Chi met at a meeting convened by the government of Luis Arce. Subsequently, they announced their electoral bloc.
For many, this is a clear sign that their role is to fragment the opposition. On social media, they are accused of being "functional to the MAS." The announcement of the alliance was not joined by a serious government program.
The meeting organized by the regime caused the alliance | La Derecha Diario
They only limited themselves to saying that they agree on federalism and the rejection of socialism. But they did not detail concrete proposals for the country's problems. This reinforces the perception that their goal is not to govern, but to weaken the opposition.
The method chosen to define the candidate has caused criticism, it was announced that in April a survey will be conducted to decide who will lead the ticket. This seems more like a strategy to stay in the campaign as long as possible than a show of unity. Additionally, the surveys can be manipulated to favor one of them.
The reaction of the false unity bloc was immediate. This group, which seeks to consolidate a single opposition candidate, considers that the alliance of Manfred and Chi is an obstacle to that goal. Jorge Quiroga and Samuel Doria Medina now have to face not only the MAS but also this new front.
Another point that generates controversy is Chi Hyun Chung's stance. Days after sealing the alliance, he offered the Ministry of Government to former captain Edman Lara. This move shows that he is already distributing positions without even having won the elections.
Does this alliance only respond to the government's interests?
Walthy Eguez criticized the alliance | La Derecha Diario
Their actions make it clear that theirs is more a negotiation of interests than a true political project. Deputy Walthy Egüez from Creemos minimized the impact of this alliance.
According to him, 70% of the electorate remains opposed and will not vote for candidates who have been functional to the MAS. From his perspective, this union will not affect the true opposition, but it is just a desperate attempt by two politicians seeking prominence.
On social media, the criticisms did not take long to appear, many users recalled the constant contradictions of both candidates. Chi, who previously attacked Manfred, now presents himself as his ally. For many, this is an opportunistic alliance, without solid ideological foundations, and an image has even gone viral showing them as "functional to socialism".
Analyst Rafael Archondo considers that this alliance concentrates the opposition vote in the west of the country. However, he admits that they still need to consolidate their support in Santa Cruz. In this region, it is unlikely that the followers of Camacho and Doria Medina will support Manfred and Chi.
Carlos Valverde also criticized the alliance and recalled that Chi has been a strong detractor of Manfred in the past. Now, both say they share the same vision of the country, but for Valverde, this type of agreement only generates distrust among the electorate. Voters see politicians as opportunists without real convictions.
In his defense, Manfred assured that he leads all the surveys. According to him, the questions come from opposition sectors that know his candidacy is the strongest. However, his insistence on allying with controversial figures and his lack of concrete proposals cast doubt on his true leadership.
The criticisms come not only from the opposition but also from the citizens. People are tired of improvised alliances and politicians who change sides as it suits them. Instead of consolidating a solid alternative against the MAS, Manfred and Chi seem more interested in securing their own political future.
Bolivia's recent history shows that this type of alliance doesn't usually prosper. The electorate has already punished in the past those who prioritize personal interests over the country's well-being. Manfred and Chi could face the same fate if they do not present a real and credible project.
The opposition remains divided, meanwhile, the MAS watches from the sidelines as their adversaries fragment. If Manfred and Chi's strategy is really to defeat the ruling party, they should reconsider their path. Otherwise, they will only be facilitating the MAS's permanence in power.
La Derecha Diario 
