Challenge against the Libre alliance unleashed a war in the defunct unity bloc

 The resource was signed by deputies Senaida Rojas and Juan José Torrez, members of Comunidad Ciudadana (CC). The legal action is aimed at the registration of the Libre – Libertad y Democracia alliance, led by Jorge Tuto Quiroga. Both parliamentarians argue that the Frente Revolucionario de Izquierda (FRI), part of Libre, still has a valid agreement with CC. 

Libre's spokesperson, Tomás Monasterio, declared that "the war is declared" and directly blamed Samuel Doria Medina. According to Monasterio, the challenge doesn't seek electoral justice but to remove Quiroga from the race through judicial means.

He accused the businessman of following MAS's example, trying to win at the table what he can't win on the field. In his view, the alliance with the FRI was legal, and there are no grounds for the challenge. He also assured that the real intention is to discredit their candidate.

The challenge document alleges that the FRI remains a formal part of Comunidad Ciudadana, Rojas and Torrez maintain that no legal procedure was presented to dissolve that alliance. According to the Political Parties Law, such an agreement can only be extinguished by an express resolution presented to the TSE. That documentation, according to the deputies, doesn't exist, and therefore they consider the FRI's participation in a new coalition illegal.

The Libre alliance was registered by Quiroga days before the deadline to present alliances, and its structure includes both the FRI and the Movimiento Demócrata Social. The plaintiffs warn that  the approval of this alliance jeopardizes the legal existence of CC. They claim that if its legal basis is annulled, 52 CC parliamentarians would be left without a caucus, and this would alter the balance of power in the Legislature.

The deputies also included a warning to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, indicating they will initiate a criminal process if they are not given reason. They accuse the members of committing serious offenses if they allow the registration of Libre, mentioning possible crimes such as breach of duties and resolutions contrary to the Constitution. The threat caused concern in the institutional sphere.

Monasterio described that warning as an inadmissible "political blackmail" and said that there is a desperate attempt to prevent Quiroga's rise in the polls. According to him, the challenge is part of a strategy designed by Samuel Doria Medina. He pointed out that he can't gain support and seeks to weaken his rivals through legal means, assuring that Libre will respond firmly.

Deputy José Maldonado, from the FRI, described the challenge as a desperate act by internal sectors of CC. He said that the FRI is focused on addressing the observations before the TSE and denied that there are elements to question the legality of Libre. He rejected that his organization has violated electoral norms.

From Comunidad Ciudadana, however, they insist on the validity of the agreement with the FRI. They recalled that the pact was signed in 2020 and ends in November 2025 and indicated that the breakup of the agreement must be notified. So far, they assure, there is no record that this has happened, therefore they affirm that the FRI remains part of CC.

Is it a political maneuver?

Deputy Torrez stated that he doesn't respond to Doria Medina's interests, assuring that he and Rojas act as legitimate representatives of CC. He argued that allowing a breakup without legal control would affect parliamentary representation. In his view, MAS could benefit if CC's caucus fragments, and therefore he considers it essential to preserve the original alliance.

Despite these statements, both deputies signed a document with adherence to Unidad Nacional weeks ago. The signature was made along with other legislators aligned with Doria Medina.

This fact was used by Libre to reinforce their thesis of a coordinated action. However, Doria Medina categorically rejected any link with the challenge. He said he doesn't know the signatories nor has he given any instruction.

The leader of Unidad Nacional accused Libre of creating imaginary enemies and stated that he doesn't intend to win elections through administrative means. He also asked his detractors to avoid speculation without evidence. He rejected the accusations spread by Libre's spokespersons.

Monasterio replied more harshly after those statements. He accused Doria Medina of hypocrisy and double standards. He showed photos of the deputies with the businessman as proof of political coordination.

The TSE now has the task of defining the validity of the Libre alliance and must rule in the coming days on the challenge. The decision could redefine the electoral map heading into the general elections. The ruling will be key to measuring institutional solidity in the current climate of polarization.

This dispute also highlights the fragility of pacts between opposition leaders. The breakup of the unity bloc has led to an open war between its former members. Cross accusations and legal threats mark a new stage of the conflict.