He must rent another acronym: Andrónico Rodríguez has abandoned the terminally ill MTS

 After the court rulings against the Movimiento Tercer Sistema (MTS), the president of the Senate, Andrónico Rodríguez, decided to withdraw his candidacy. Along with him, the lists of candidates for the vice presidency and the Plurinational Assembly were also withdrawn.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE)confirmed the return of documents from the Popular Alliance (AP), which was led by Rodríguez. Now, new developments are expected regarding his next step.

The court rulings against MTS have been decisive. The Constitutional Chamber of La Paz and that of Beni issued resolutions questioning the legality of the party's leadership.

The most recent ruling orders the TSE to annul the legal status of that acronym. This leaves the Popular Alliance without a legal basis, as it was mainly supported by MTS. Thus, Rodríguez was left without the party with which he sought to come to power.

Rodríguez seeks a new acronym

Despite this, the senator's inner circle insists that his candidacy remains firm. Freddy Mamani, one of his allies, announced that a meeting was called with all the forces supporting Rodríguez. At that meeting, the new direction of his presidential candidacy is expected to be defined.

Although it has not been officially confirmed, there is talk of a preliminary agreement with Unidad Cívica Solidaridad (UCS). That political organization is led by Santa Cruz mayor Jhonny Fernández.

Mariana Prado, who was running as vice presidential candidate with Rodríguez, also spoke out. She confirmed that there are talks with several political groups to keep the candidacy active. She clarified that UCS is not the only option being considered.

She also mentioned that the Movimiento Renovador Nacional (Morena), led by Eva Copa, could be an alternative. The goal is to avoid being left out of the August 17 elections.

The questioned TSE keeps uncertainty

The TSE requested an official statement from the leadership of Popular Alliance. The body wants to confirm whether the candidacies were indeed withdrawn and what final decision was made. The response must arrive as soon as possible, according to Chamber Secretary Fernando Arteaga.

The Full Chamber of the TSE has not yet ruled on the legal situation of MTS. It must first be formally notified with the court resolutions.

Félix Patzi, leader of MTS, assured that his party remains in the race. He stated that the rulings do not question the acronym but only the congress that elected its leadership.

According to him, the Popular Alliance can continue competing even without Rodríguez. He said that there is no legal noncompliance on the part of MTS. However, he acknowledged that the party's future is now in the hands of the TSE.

A public event was announced for this Friday in El Alto, where the new acronym is expected to be revealed. The call was made by Rodríguez's supporters in Santa Cruz and El Alto. They will gather at the Braniff Arena, where important announcements about the candidacy will be made.

"Everything can change, except Rodríguez's candidacy," said Darwin Choquerive. The event seeks to show strength despite the political crisis.

Meanwhile, the opposition strongly questions the TSE. Deputy José Ormachea denounced possible favoritism toward Rodríguez. He criticized the fact that the "acronym switch" is allowed as if it were a personal procedure.

He also said that this violates the electoral law and democratic institutionality. He demanded that the TSE act in accordance with the Constitution and not according to political convenience.

Rodríguez defended himself on social media and described the court rulings as "politically influenced." According to him, these decisions attempt to stop a legitimate project that has citizen support.

He assured that he will not give up his presidential aspiration. He reiterated that he will seek another way to stay in the race. His inner circle supports him and is preparing the relaunch of the candidacy.

The legal conflict originated from internal lawsuits within MTS. Maziel Terrazas, a former party member and Patzi's ex-wife, filed an injunction. She questioned the legality of her expulsion and the party congress held in March.

The judges accepted her claim and ruled in her favor. Now, the TCP is expected to rule on the legal status of MTS. Until then, the case remains open.

The electoral scenario is becoming more uncertain with less than three months to go before the elections. The TSE has not yet published the official list of qualified candidates. Everything depends on administrative and judicial decisions that are still in process.

Although Rodríguez left the Popular Alliance, his political base remains active. His supporters proclaim him as the leader to replace the MAS mafia.

They consider that the rulings against MTS are part of a strategy to prevent his candidacy. Even so, they remain hopeful of participating in the elections. The new acronym will be key to defining his immediate future.

A fragile alliance 

 

Uncertainty also affects the other allies of Popular Alliance. The Revolutionary Socialist Party (PSR) and the Autonomist Movement for Work and Hope (MATE) have not yet decided whether they will remain in the alliance.

Everything indicates that the coalition will fragment after Rodríguez's departure. Without its central figure, they lose political cohesion. In the coming days, they could officially announce their withdrawal.

Pressure is mounting on the TSE to act impartially. Rodríguez's case has become an institutional thermometer. The decisions of the TSE and the TCP will set the course for the August elections.

For now, Andrónico Rodríguez will have to rent another acronym if he wants to stay in the race. MTS, his first electoral vehicle, was left without hope by the courts.

His inner circle announces new developments, new alliances. But time is ticking and deadlines are tightening. The only sure thing is that the coca grower senator still refuses to abandon the presidential race.