The votes in Bolivia’s recall referendum are still being counted, but the results are well established by now (Evo won, as did most of the prefects). One of the losers was the La Paz prefect, José Luis Paredes. Formerly of MIR, he recently founded his own party (Plan Progreso) & was allied w/ PODEMOS. He conceded his defeat (something Cochabamba’s Manfred Reyes Villa hasn’t done).
But this means that the La Paz prefecture will soon be available. Already, a number of possible candidates are emerging:
One is René Ramos, a MAS suplente (alternate) deputy, though he seems unlikely to receive much backing—either from the party or local civic organizations (particularly in El Alto, where they demand that one of their residents for the office).
Another name floated was Juan Del Granado, the popular mayor of La Paz & leader of MSM (Movimiento Sin Miedo, an MBL splinter). Del Granado is also an ally of Evo (and credited w/ delivering middle class voters in La Paz), but he has claimed that he’d rather remain in the municipal government. Still, it’s clear that MSM will likely nominate a candidate.
Édgar Patana, the leader of the El Alto worker’s federation (COR-El Alto), may also seek the nomination.
Finally, Roberto De la Cruz has also announced his candidacy for the post. De la Cruz is a key figure of the October 2003 Gas War & founder of his own M-17 party (17 October Movement).
No matter how it shakes up, one of Evo’s allies is likely to win the La Paz prefecture in any upcoming elections. Evo may choose to stay above the fray & avoid choosing sides in potential factional disputes (because whoever he picks, the others may then turn into opponents). And though it’s all too early to tell, it’s a good sign that a new election (as in Chuquisaca) is now the expected norm.
