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However, the party was heavily divided between supporters of Morales and Arce, and as Arce lost popularity due to a recession and economic crisis caused in part by the pandemic, Morales announced he would be running in the 2025 elections for President. The country’s economy faces many crises, as it faces a steep rise in prices, a lack of fuel in gas stations, and a dangerous depletion in foreign exchange reserves, which has prompted bitter political fights in the country and among the factions of MAS.
This total political gridlock and infighting in the government has apparently prompted General Zuniga to launch this coup attempt, in order to bring the instability and gridlock to an end, though this is only what he has claimed, and his true intentions cannot be known as of now. However, Zuniga’s plan was foiled quickly, and the attempted coup failed in a short amount of time. In a viral video, Arce is seen confronting Zuniga in the halls of the presidential palace, declining to resign and having Zuniga and other plotters arrested.
The true extent of this failed coup is not known at this stage, including how many people were involved, but it seems like Arce will have increased his popularity by fending off this coup attempt, and there are speculations about Morales’ involvement, and if Arce will blame Morales for the coup in order to gain advantage in the struggle for control of the MAS party.
According to a Reuters report, “Bolivian President Luis Arce on Thursday denied any involvement or prior knowledge of a failed coup attempt led by the country's former top military commander who alleged the president had asked him to do something to boost his popularity.” Whether all this was Arce’s attempt to boost popularity or not, is still unclear.
India and Bolivia have had good relations recently, having strengthened bilateral ties in 2023 and having increasing trade relations as well- India was the fourth largest trading partner for Bolivia in 2023, and the two have continued to deepen these trading relations as well. While reactions and condemnations of this attempted coup have come from all around the world, India has been silent as of now, and it is unclear if any statement will be released in the future. For India, political stability would be paramount, as both Evo Morales and Luis Arce, along with the rest of the MAS Party, support better relations with India.
Arce perhaps really did all this just to gain popularity. the extent that people go to grab power...
ReplyDeletehmm. good article. not a lot of IR coverage over this...atleast someone gives a shit abt south america
ReplyDeleteIt's concerning to see such actions disrupt democratic processes in a country where political stability has been absent, but I believe the swift failure of the coup could strengthen President Arce's position. Also the global response, including India's stance, will be important in supporting Bolivia's path to stability and it's holistic development.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, the 21st century globalised world is an advocate of democracy but has validated by a lot of authoritarian measures be it coup, non- transparency, red-tapism
ReplyDeleteThe article efficiently points out how political instability and in-party conflicts provide space for coups to take place. Given Bolivia’s history of being susceptible to coups and revolutionary overturns, it becomes crucial for the citizens to be active in ensuring the democratic participation. An optimistic assessment of the citizen’s involvement is necessary as the article quotes how the public protested the third-time candidacy and victory of Evo Morales.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting perspective presented is how the incumbent president Arce could have used this “fending off a military coup” image to better his declining popularity due to the economic crisis. Irrespective of the motives involved, a military coup is not a good sign for a democracy’s health.
India’s growing relations with Bolivia would be best ensured and protected by a Bolivia which respects and preserves democracy.