Kathryn Ledebur director of the Andean Information Network in Cochabamba-Bolivia and our colleague John Walsh also contributed in the article for LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR.

“In spite of a promise to only act as interim president, Áñez announced her candidacy, demonstrating a clear conflict of interest—she appointed the head of the National Electoral Tribunal and regional authorities. Political persecution continues, and the government has not complied with the international community’s request for ‘fair and free elections.’ A divided opposition, growing grassroots rejection of state-led violence and a collapsing economy has made MAS candidate Luis Arce the clear leader in polls. The Áñez administration is completely unprepared for coronavirus. It eliminated the recognized Mi Salud program, combating communicable diseases, and expelled 700 Cuban doctors. On Feb. 28, Áñez purchased $6 million worth of tear gas and weapons in lieu of investment in health equipment and protective gear to contain the epidemic. Reliance on the police and military to enforce strict quarantine norms, with no, daily subsistence provisions for the large informal sector, has led to 1,500 arrests and threats of martial law. The two-week suspension of elections could extend indefinitely, in spite of pushback from MAS. Human rights violations may well escalate as the epidemic expands. Within this context, it is crucial that international organizations and Áñez’s allies, such as the United States and the European Union (the largest external funder), denounce violations and demand accountability for security forces and the officials who are responsible. They should publicly insist on protection for national human rights monitors and respect for the agreement to host an IACHR experts group. Silence from the United States and the European Union has facilitated further deterioration of the rule of law in Bolivia.”, said Kathryn Ledebur, director of The Andean Information Network.