Former Dictator Evo Morales Appointed a Representative to Formalize His Resignation From Mas

Last Thursday, the former dictator Evo Morales once again submitted his resignation from the Movement for Socialism (MAS), this time through a representative. The decision is part of a process that seeks to clear the way for his presidential candidacy in the general elections with the party Frente Para la Victoria (FPV). A previous resignation submitted on Monday was rejected by the Cochabamba Departmental Electoral Tribunal (TED) because the procedure must be personal.

The lawyer Marcelo Galván, who represents Morales, explained that the first request was denied because it did not meet the requirements. The coca grower leader tried again this Thursday through a representative. It is expected that the resignation will be processed and registered in the Yo Participo system.

The individual accused of pedophilia ceased to be the leader of MAS in November 2024. At that time, a party congress validated the leaders aligned with President Luis Arce, creating a division within the political organization. The event caused the so-called "evistas" to label Arce and his followers as traitors. They also indicated that this faction was taking the party away from the Chapare leadership.

The call for Morales to resign has not had the expected impact. According to political analyst Paul Coca, Morales's attempt to attract MAS activists to the FPV has failed. This is because the majority of the "evistas" have not followed his example. According to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), more than 500 people resigned from MAS on Monday, a low number compared to the number of activists who still remain in the ruling party.

Did the "evista" call fail?

In recent days, resignations have been recorded from former senators and deputies, as well as important figures within the "evista" political circle. For example, former senator Adriana Salvatierra submitted her resignation from MAS on the same Thursday, harshly criticizing Luis Arce's administration. Salvatierra, who at one point was linked to the individual accused of pedophilia, had been a member of MAS since she was fifteen years old.

The Minister of Government (linked to drug traffickers), Eduardo Del Castillo, expressed his satisfaction with Morales's resignation from MAS. In recent statements, Del Castillo commented that Morales's departure from MAS represents a "tremendous favor" for the "arcismo." The minister believes that the presence of the coca grower leader within the organization was causing more divisions. However, the impact of the resignations of key figures like Morales and Salvatierra can't yet be fully measured.

The FPV remains firm in its goal of presenting Morales as a presidential candidate, despite the legal challenges the former dictator faces. According to FPV President Eliseo Rodríguez, the party is ready to participate in the elections without obstacles. Rodríguez stated that the FPV has no pending observations from the TSE, even though a few days ago, the member Tahuichi Tahuichi indicated that they need to solve some internal organizational issues.

As the date of the general elections approaches, the political polarization between these two factions seems to intensify. Morales seeks to rebuild his influence from a platform opposing the current government. In contrast, Arce and his public employees attempt to consolidate their power in MAS and ensure that the party's image appears strong in the run-up to the elections.

Discussions about the resignations of "evista" senators and deputies continue. Councilwoman Wilma Alanoca (previously accused of equipping criminals affiliated with her party) indicated that this issue will be addressed at a MAS congress at the end of March. The decisions about the future of the "evista" legislators show that, in reality, the boldness of their words only remains in the speeches they deliver before microphones and cameras.