Evo Morales calls a meeting in the MAS while dividing the party and the country.

The former president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, has once again captured media attention by calling for a meeting in Villa Tunari, a political stronghold of the Movement for Socialism (MAS), where his supporters have threatened to block roads to "respect" his candidacy for the general elections in 2025. This gathering, initially planned as a national congress to renew the party's leadership, transformed into a "national expanded meeting" due to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal's (TSE) refusal to oversee it. The situation within MAS reflects a deep division between factions loyal to Morales and those supporting the current president, Luis Arce. The lack of consensus among these groups has led the TSE to decide not to validate the congress, arguing that social organizations, which are the party's base, were not adequately represented. Morales, for his part, insisted that the meeting is necessary to make decisions that will be implemented across the country, openly challenging electoral institutions and the government. Morales remains a central figure in Bolivian politics despite being out of power since 2019. During the meeting, the former president claimed to feel "legally enabled" to be a candidate in 2025, a stance that has generated controversy and resistance from Arce's government. Polarization intensifies with the warning from Santos, one of the attendees, who stated that "we only have left to defend the name and the candidacy of Evo Morales on the roads." The political context is further complicated by the recent annulment of primary elections, which Morales has interpreted as a maneuver by the government to hinder his possible return to the presidency. The decision to suspend the primaries has been a subject of debate, as most political forces supported this measure, with the notable exception of the 'evista' faction of MAS. The TSE has been clear in its warnings to MAS, which has already received reprimands for not holding its leadership renewal congress. If the political organization faces a third warning, it could lose its legal status, further complicating its situation. This threat raises questions about the political future of the party and Morales' relevance in an ever-changing political environment. Meanwhile, the rift between Morales and Arce has deepened since late 2021, and both leaders appear to be in a power struggle that reflects divergent interests. Morales remains a reference point for his supporters, who are willing to mobilize to back his candidacy. However, the government clings to the interpretation that the former president cannot run again, arguing that he has already served a sufficient term in office. The division within MAS is not only an internal challenge but also reflects the social and political tensions in Bolivia. The threats of road blockades evoke a climate of confrontation that could escalate in the future. In this scenario, Morales seems willing to use his influence and the support of his base to pressure the government and the TSE, while authorities seek to maintain control and ensure an orderly electoral process. The electoral landscape for 2025 appears uncertain, with the possibility that mobilizations in favor of Morales could further destabilize the already fractured political balance in the country. With MAS divided and Morales' figure being a hot topic, the coming months will be crucial in determining not only his political future but also the direction Bolivia will take in a context of growing polarization. The tension between the different factions of the party and Morales' defiant attitude suggest that the road to the elections will be anything but peaceful.