Centrist Rodrigo Paz wins Bolivian presidential runoff and is congratulated by the Department of State

In a historic day in Bolivian history, 58-year-old economist and senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira became the new president-elect of Bolivia by winning in a runoff election held on Sunday.

Representing the Christian Democratic Party, Paz won 54.55% of the vote, according to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), with more than 97% of the vote counted. His rival, former president Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, of the Libre alliance, reached 45.44%, nine points behind him.

The vote, described by the TSE as "calm and normal," passed without significant incidents and had high citizen participation. Paz, of moderate liberal tendency, will assume the presidency on November 8 for the period 2025-2030, together with his running mate, Edmand Lara.

This triumph marks the end of 20 years of political domination by the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS), opening a new stage in the country's political history.

The president-elect will face crucial challenges, including an economy weakened by fuel shortages, a persistent fiscal deficit and the drastic reduction of net international reserves (NIR), which have generated a prolonged lack of foreign exchange.

The Department of State congratulates and expresses its willingness to cooperate

For its part, the Department of State greeted the elected South American president and expressed its willingness to collaborate. Through an official statement, the department said:

“The United States congratulates President-elect Rodrigo Paz on his election as Bolivia’s president. We also commend the Bolivian people in this historic moment for their country. After two decades of mismanagement, President-elect Paz’s election marks a transformative opportunity for both nations. The United States stands ready to partner with Bolivia on shared priorities, including ending illegal immigration, improved market access for bilateral investment, and combating transnational criminal organizations to strengthen regional security.”

Paz, during his speech, thanked the presidents of the region who called to congratulate him. "Bolivia is once again regaining its international stage step by step," he assured.

In this regard, he said that he communicated with the U.S. undersecretary of State, Christopher Landau. "On behalf of the Government of President (Donald) Trump, he called us (...).Any support, help or cooperation to be able to carry out a close cooperation with one of the most important governments in the world be part of the solutions from November 8 and Bolivia does not lack its hydrocarbons, and they are in full support along with other nations," he said, according to CNN.