Ruth Nina anticipated a bloodbath: The TSE will only 'count the dead'

Ruth Nina issued a direct threat to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) during a meeting of pro-Evo sectors held this past weekend. The leader stated that on August 17 "instead of counting votes, they're going to count the dead".

The statements were made while the pro-Evo movement demanded that the Pan-Bol party be allowed to register Evo Morales. Nina justified her position by stating that the social organizations are willing to give their lives to fulfill the whim of the pedophile. 

The threat was echoed by several legislators aligned with the pro-Evo movement. Senator Leonardo Loza and deputies Gladis Quispe and Renán Cabezas  demanded that their bases prevent the elections from taking place.

They also proposed a "state of uprising" if Morales's candidacy is not reinstated. The warnings included calls for mobilization and for forcibly halting the elections. The meeting was held in Lauca Ñ, the former president's stronghold.

Renán Cabezas, deputy from El Alto, said that they have the right to rise up against the current legal system. He claimed that the Constitution is being used to benefit foreign interests.

In his speech he proposed massive mobilizations throughout the country. Gladis Quispe supported the idea and urged blocking state contracts with foreign companies. According to her, the government should not be allowed to move forward without Evo Morales as a candidate.

Pro-Evo groups called for mobilizations

Leonardo Loza also spoke during the meeting. He said that there will be no elections without the indigenous peasant movement. He called on attendees to declare a state of emergency and organize a national mobilization.

The attendees applauded the speeches filled with threats and warnings. The pressure on the TSE became evident in that setting.

At the same event, Ruth Nina reaffirmed her loyalty to the pro-Evo movement. She maintained that Evo Morales is the country's only legitimate leader. She asserted that "the people" elected him and that there can't be elections without his participation.

She also recalled that Pan-Bol was born in the Yungas and represents the working class. She concluded that they are willing to die rather than accept "right-wing candidates."

The opposition denounced the threats

Reactions from the opposition were swift. Deputy Luisa Nayar announced a criminal complaint against Nina. She stated that her remarks represent a direct threat to life and democracy.

She accused her of inciting violence and destabilizing the electoral process. "This can't go unpunished," she stated on social media.

From Santa Cruz, the Departmental Legislative Assembly issued an official statement. It condemned Nina's words for threatening social peace.

 It also demanded that the TSE and the Public Prosecutor's Office take immediate action. It stated that the threats violate Bolivians' right to choose freely. They called for sanctions against those who engage in this type of discourse.

The TSE condemned the threats

On Sunday, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal broke its silence. Board member Gustavo Ávila described  Nina's warning as "very serious". He indicated that her words directly threaten more than 7.9 million voters.

He added that possible crimes such as public incitement to commit offenses are being committed. He requested that the Public Prosecutor's Office act immediately and ex officio.

Ávila explained that the threats undermine the electoral system. He recalled that preventing or obstructing a democratic process is a criminal offense. He warned that violent acts against institutional order are being promoted.

He also said that the TSE will resort to all necessary measures to protect the electoral process. He emphasized that respect for the Constitution will be guaranteed.

Legislator Alejandro Reyes, from Comunidad Ciudadana, also spoke out.  He accused Nina of acting out of political interest and betraying her principles.

He recalled that in 2019 she was critical of Morales, but now she supports him. He said that she is willing to provoke violence in exchange for "jobs." He called for intervention by the Ministry of Government.

The pro-Evo movement reiterated its demand

El Alto councilor Wilma Alanoca, meanwhile, proposed taking the complaint to international observers.  She claimed that there is a pact between the government, the TSE, and the judiciary to exclude Morales. 

She also called for diplomatic action before the European Union. She stated that there is a covert "political persecution."

Pro-Evo sectors have hardened their rhetoric and stance. Meanwhile, state institutions face the challenge of maintaining order.

Civil organizations and democracy defense groups have also spoken out. They denounced the use of fear as a political tool.

They rejected any attempt to condition the elections with violence. They called on the population to remain firm in defending the vote. They demanded guarantees for all voters in the country.