Former Bolivian President Evo Morales Plans Political Comeback Amid Allegations

Evo Morales, Bolivia’s ex-president, relies on strong local support in Lauca Ene, as he plots a return to power despite legal hurdles and serious allegations. His influence remains strong, with loyalists ready to defend him against potential challenges. The situation shows the complexities of Bolivia’s political landscape as the former leader aims for another term amid economic struggles within the current administration.

As night drapes its veil over Lauca Ene, an Indigenous hamlet in central Bolivia, around 500 residents stand united, brandishing their spears and chanting support for Evo Morales. The ex-president, once Bolivia’s first Indigenous leader, commands remarkable loyalty in this coca-farming region. No outsiders dare to enter Lauca Ene without his permission, showcasing the depth of his local influence.

Lauca Ene is a vital base for Morales, who is now 65 years old. His political journey began here amidst union activism in the 1980s, and he is currently strategizing a possible return to power, despite a legal restriction prohibiting individuals from serving more than two presidential terms. Morales, who served from 2006 to 2019, is accused of serious crimes that include allegedly engaging in a relationship with a minor—a claim he vehemently denies, labeling it a case of judicial harassment.

For the last seven months, Morales has made Lauca Ene his sanctuary while evading an arrest warrant related to these allegations. A judge annulled the warrant, only for another judge to uphold it again just days later. Local law enforcement has been hesitant to disturb the barricades protecting Morales, allowing him to maintain a stronghold among his supporters.

In the surrounding areas, businesses, clinics, and government institutions appear to function without interruption despite the police and military presence. However, Lauca Ene remains a separate domain. The town, home to about 900 people, is patrolled by Morales’ loyalists who are prepared to defend their leader at all costs. In a recent meeting with reporters, Morales downplayed the court’s term limits, asserting that he is “legally and constitutionally qualified” to run again.

As he prepares to head to La Paz to register for a fourth presidential term, Morales remains confident that election officials will not thwart his ambitions. He warned of potential unrest akin to previous protests if his candidacy is rejected. His followers share similar sentiments; one farmer, Zenobia Taboada, expressed fierce loyalty, saying, “If they touch brother Evo, the people will come out right away.”

In Lauca Ene, Morales lives in a three-story residence and engages daily with farmers and local officials amid a supportive atmosphere. His loyalists, sleeping in makeshift shelters and sharing meals, rigorously guard the village. They maintain watch over access roads round the clock in rotating shifts, underlining their dedication. One supporter stated that vigilance is key, indicating that a single call could mobilize a rapid response across the region.

The village’s barricades, made of palm and stone, block entry and have become a part of the landscape, with grass growing on top. Supporters like Zenobia Andia, who made a long journey to fulfill her guard duties, lament the present political climate under President Luis Arce, Morales’ former ally. They yearn to recover the dignity and prosperity they enjoyed under Morales, highlighting a rift between their expectations and the current administration’s performance.

Evo Morales, having established a formidable base of support in Lauca Ene, continues to navigate complex legal and political waters as he plans a comeback for the presidency. Despite allegations against him, his loyalist community remains steadfast, prepared to defend him fiercely should he face opposition. Their hopes reflect larger frustrations with the current government, further complicating Bolivia’s political landscape as Morales seeks to reclaim leadership amidst a backdrop of tension and uncertainty.

Original Source: www.kten.com