Leading In Bolivia: Strategies For Success

Bolivia is a democratic republic with a directly elected president. The president is the head of state, head of government and head of a diverse multi-party system. The president is elected to a five-year term by popular vote.

The current president of Bolivia is Luis Arce, who assumed office on 8 November 2020. Arce is the 67th president of Bolivia.

To become the president of Bolivia, you must be a citizen of Bolivia and be at least 35 years old. You must also be able to prove that you have no criminal record and that you are in good health.

The president of Bolivia has a wide range of powers, including the ability to appoint and remove ministers, issue decrees, and dissolve the legislature. The president is also the captain-general of the Armed Forces of Bolivia.

Understand the country's political system

Bolivia is a unitary republic with a representative democratic government. The country is divided into 9 departments, 112 provinces, 327 municipalities and 1,384 cantons. The government is divided into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary.

The executive branch is headed by the President, who is both the head of state and the head of government. The President is elected by popular vote to a five-year term and there is no limit on the number of terms a president may serve. If no candidate wins a majority (defined as either more than 50%, or alternatively at least 40% and at least 10% more than the second-place candidate), the top two candidates advance to a runoff election. The President possesses the executive authority and is the captain-general of the Armed Forces of Bolivia.

The legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of the Chamber of Senators (36 seats) and the Chamber of Deputies (130 seats). Members of both chambers are directly elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of parliament.

The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. The judiciary consists of the Supreme Court of Justice, the Plurinational Constitutional Court, the Judiciary Council, the Agrarian and Environmental Court, and District (departmental) and lower courts. The Supreme Court exercises legal power and upholds the constitution. Supreme Court judges are appointed to 10-year terms through popular vote.

Learn about the country's history

The history of Bolivia is a rich and complex one, stretching back thousands of years. Here is an overview of the country's history, focusing on key events and developments:

Pre-Columbian Period to Spanish Colonial Rule

Bolivia's history can be traced back to ancient civilisations like the Tiwanaku people, who achieved an advanced level of civilisation around Lake Titicaca before being conquered by the rapidly expanding Inca Empire in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Incas themselves fell to Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro in the early 16th century. The region became part of the Viceroyalty of Peru and was known as Upper Peru.

Independence and the 19th Century

Upper Peru joined the Spanish-American wars of independence in the early 19th century, and the Bolivian Republic was established in 1825, named after the Venezuelan leader Simon Bolivar. The country's early years were marked by repeated wars with its neighbours, culminating in the devastating loss of the War of the Pacific, which resulted in Bolivia losing its access to the sea.

20th Century to the Present

Bolivia's 20th-century history was characterised by military rule, democratic transitions, and economic reforms. The country experienced a series of coups until a transition to democratic government in the 1980s. The Bolivian National Revolution of the 1950s brought about nationalisation of resources, expansion of suffrage, and land reforms. The 21st century has seen continued economic growth and political instability, with the resignation of Evo Morales in 2019 following a political crisis.

Indigenous History

Indigenous peoples have played a significant role in Bolivia's history. Cultures of indigenous peoples developed in the challenging high-altitude settings of the altiplano. The Aymara people, who associate themselves with the Tiwanaku culture, settled in western Bolivia around 2,000 years ago. Bolivia's history is also marked by indigenous rebellions against colonial rule, such as the uprising led by Túpac Amaru II in the late 18th century.

Know the requirements to run for president

To run for president in Bolivia, there are several requirements that you must meet. Firstly, you must be elected by popular vote to a five-year term, and there is no limit on the number of terms a president may serve. This means that you can run for president multiple times. To win the election, you must receive at least 50% of the vote or 40% of the vote with a minimum margin of 10% more than the second-place candidate. If no candidate meets these thresholds, a runoff election is held between the top two candidates.

Additionally, there are some general requirements that you should be aware of. For example, voting is compulsory for all adults over the age of 18 in Bolivia, and failure to vote can result in difficulties accessing one's salary from the bank for a period of time. As a presidential candidate, you must also be prepared to participate in debates with other candidates. While this was not a requirement in previous years, interim president Jeanine Áñez proposed legislation to make it compulsory for candidates to debate during the 2020 election, although this was rejected by the MAS-controlled Senate.

It is also important to understand the broader context of the political landscape in Bolivia. The country has a multi-party system, and since 2005, a single party has achieved a parliamentary majority. This means that you should consider the support of your party and the potential for cross-party collaboration when running for president.

Finally, keep in mind that the requirements and procedures for running for president can change over time, so it is always a good idea to stay informed about the latest developments and consult official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Develop a campaign strategy

Identify your target audience

Bolivia is a diverse country with a large indigenous population. To be a leader, you need to appeal to a broad range of people, including those from different ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. Your campaign strategy should focus on uniting Bolivians under a common vision that addresses the needs and aspirations of all citizens.

Define your campaign message and themes

As a candidate, you should develop a clear and compelling message that resonates with the people. Some potential themes for your campaign could include:

• Promoting national unity and reconciliation: Emphasize the importance of bringing Bolivians together, regardless of their political or ideological differences. Highlight your ability to bridge divides and foster dialogue among diverse groups.
• Economic development and social justice: Bolivia has faced economic challenges, and many citizens struggle with poverty and inequality. You could propose policies that aim to boost economic growth, create jobs, and reduce social and economic disparities.
• Indigenous rights and cultural preservation: Given Bolivia's significant indigenous population, you could advocate for the protection and promotion of indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions. This could include measures to ensure indigenous communities have a voice in political decision-making and benefit from economic development.
• Combating corruption and strengthening democratic institutions: Bolivia has a history of political instability and corruption. You could position yourself as a leader who will uphold the rule of law, strengthen democratic institutions, and tackle corruption to restore trust in the government.

Build a strong campaign team

Surround yourself with a diverse and dedicated team that shares your vision for Bolivia. This team should include experienced political strategists, communications specialists, and individuals with expertise in areas such as economics, social policy, and international relations. Ensure your team reflects the diversity of Bolivian society, including indigenous representation.

Develop a comprehensive campaign plan

Create a detailed plan that outlines your campaign activities, timelines, and resource allocation. This should include:

• Grassroots organizing: Focus on building a strong grassroots movement by engaging directly with citizens through town hall meetings, community events, and door-to-door canvassing. Utilize social media and digital tools to reach a wider audience, especially younger voters.
• Policy development: Work with experts to develop concrete policies and proposals that address the issues you have identified. Ensure your policies are realistic and feasible, and communicate them effectively to the public.
• Media engagement: Cultivate relationships with journalists and media outlets to ensure your message reaches a broad audience. Participate in debates, give interviews, and use social media to share your ideas and connect with voters.
• Fundraising: Develop a sustainable fundraising strategy to support your campaign activities. Reach out to potential donors and build a network of supporters who can contribute to your campaign financially. Ensure your fundraising activities comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Engage with voters and build support

As you implement your campaign plan, focus on engaging with voters and building a strong support base. This includes:

• Listening to voters' concerns: Demonstrate that you are attuned to the needs and aspirations of Bolivians by actively listening to their concerns and incorporating their feedback into your policies. Show that you are accessible and willing to engage with citizens from all walks of life.
• Building alliances: Seek endorsements from influential individuals, organizations, and political groups. Forge alliances with other political parties or movements that share your values and goals to broaden your support base.
• Adapting to feedback: Be open to adjusting your campaign strategy based on feedback from voters and changing political dynamics. Stay flexible and responsive to the needs and priorities of the electorate.

Maintain integrity and transparency

As a leader, it is crucial to maintain the highest standards of integrity and transparency. This includes:

• Adhering to ethical standards: Ensure your campaign complies with all legal and ethical guidelines. Avoid using discriminatory language or making false or misleading statements about your opponents.
• Transparency in fundraising and spending: Be transparent about your campaign finances, including sources of funding and how funds are spent. This helps build trust with voters and demonstrates your commitment to good governance.
• Disclosing any potential conflicts of interest: Be open about any personal or financial interests that could be perceived as a conflict of interest. Address these proactively to maintain trust and avoid potential scandals.

Developing a strong campaign strategy is essential for your path to becoming a leader in Bolivia. Focus on uniting the country, addressing the needs of all citizens, and upholding democratic values. Build a diverse and dedicated team, develop a comprehensive plan, and engage authentically with voters. Remember to maintain integrity and transparency throughout your campaign.

Build a support base

To build a support base, you need to establish a political party. In Bolivia, the first step is to create a "political instrument" rather than a "political party". This is a term used to describe a group that campaigns on specific issues, such as land reform and the redistribution of money from gas extraction. Once you have established a political instrument, you can then run for election under the banner of a coalition of leftist parties. If you gain enough support, you can then form your own party and run for office independently.

To build a support base, you need to focus on the issues that are important to the people of Bolivia. This includes issues such as land reform, the redistribution of wealth, and the protection of indigenous rights. You also need to be able to differentiate yourself from the traditional political class and present yourself as a champion of the people. This means campaigning on a platform of anti-imperialism, anti-neoliberalism, and social democracy.

You also need to build alliances with other groups, such as trade unions and social movements. This will help you to gain support and mobilize voters. You can also use your alliances to pressure the government and force them to make concessions.

Finally, you need to be able to communicate your message effectively. This includes using populist rhetoric and symbolism, such as wearing striped jumpers instead of suits. You also need to be able to reach out to people in rural and urban areas, as well as to the indigenous population.

Frequently asked questions