Hundreds of Evo Morales supporters arrived in La Paz in a powerful caravan demanding his right to run in the upcoming presidential elections, only to face tear gas and police repression near the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. The mobilization highlights the ongoing political persecution against the former president and his movement.

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On May 16, 2025, a large caravan of supporters of former Bolivian President Evo Morales arrived in La Paz to demand his registration as a presidential candidate for the August elections. The caravan, composed of campesinos, cocaleros, miners, and political leaders loyal to Morales, was met with a heavy police presence and the use of tear gas to disperse protesters near the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) headquarters.

The caravan broke through police cordons near the TSE, where hundreds of officers were deployed within a three-block radius to prevent Morales supporters from entering the building. Chemical agents were used against demonstrators gathered in Abaroa Square, Sopocachi, as they peacefully demanded free, transparent, and unrestricted elections and the respect of their social and political rights.

Morales’ supporters denounced the repression as an expression of the government’s authoritarianism and racism, emphasizing their commitment to a peaceful, democratic, and constitutional protest. The former president himself affirmed on social media that the march was a “second great March to Save Bolivia,” calling on Bolivians to stand united against political persecution and discrimination.

Masiva presencia policial resguarda el Tribunal Supremo Electoral qué recibe inscripción de candidatos para las elecciones de agosto, hasta el lunes 19. @teleSURtv pic.twitter.com/r7wll84Vav

— Freddy Morales (@FreddyteleSUR) May 16, 2025

The teaxt reads: A massive police presence guards the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, which is accepting candidate registrations for the August elections, until Monday the 19th.@teleSURtv

The political tension stems from a recent Constitutional Court ruling barring any individual who has held elected office twice from running again, which directly affects Morales’ candidacy. Despite this, Morales and his supporters reject the decision as politically motivated, asserting their right to participate in the electoral process. The final decision on candidate eligibility will be made by the Electoral Tribunal by June 6, after the registration period closes on May 19.

The caravan was led by key figures from the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS), including senators, deputies, and union leaders, reflecting the broad base of support Morales continues to enjoy among Bolivia’s marginalized communities.

The campesina leader Juanita Ancieta declared that the march would enter La Paz with strength and determination, warning the government that any provocation would be the regime’s responsibility.

Senator and cocalero leader Leonardo Loza confirmed Morales’ presence with the caravan and urged police not to respond with repression. The movement’s resilience and unity symbolize the ongoing struggle for social justice, indigenous rights, and political sovereignty in Bolivia, standing firm against attempts to silence their voice.

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