Rodrigo Paz Wins Bolivia Presidential Runoff, Ending MAS Rule
Why in the news
Bolivia held its presidential runoff on 19 October 2025. Rodrigo Paz defeated Jorge Quiroga, ending about 20 years of rule by the Movement for Socialism (MAS).
Key facts
- Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) beat Jorge Quiroga of the Libre alliance.
- Paz won about 55% of the vote (final tallies near 54.96%, early counts near 54.5%).
- It was the first time the presidency in Bolivia changed hands through a runoff.
- Paz’s running mate Edmand Lara, a former police officer, becomes vice president.
- Inauguration is set for 8 November 2025; Paz succeeds Luis Arce of MAS.
| Round | Paz | Quiroga |
|---|---|---|
| First round, 17 August 2025 | 32.06% | 26.70% |
| Runoff, 19 October 2025 | about 55% | about 45% |
About the new president
Paz is the son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora. He has served as a Senator for Tarija (2020-2025) and Mayor of Tarija (2015-2020). Third-placed Samuel Doria Medina, who got 19.69% in the first round, endorsed him for the runoff.
Exam angle
- Remember the names: Paz (winner), Quiroga (runner-up), Arce (outgoing).
- Elections and runoffs in other countries are common current-affairs questions; note the vote shares and the party that lost power.