The Rising Tide of Digital Disinformation in Bolivian Elections
The Bolivian electoral landscape is facing a growing threat: the deliberate spread of false and misleading information. A recent report from Bolivia Verifica’s Electoral Disinformation Observatory highlights a concerning trend of disinformation campaigns targeting candidates in the upcoming subnational elections, scheduled for March 22nd. These tactics, often employing sophisticated methods, aim to sway public opinion and undermine the integrity of the democratic process.
TikTok: The Epicenter of Election-Related Falsehoods
Currently, TikTok has emerged as the primary platform for disseminating disinformation, according to the observatory’s findings for the third week of February. The platform’s visual nature and rapid sharing capabilities make it an ideal breeding ground for viral falsehoods. Several candidates have already been targeted.
Juan Pablo Velasco, a candidate for Governor of Santa Cruz representing Libre, was falsely claimed to be “inhabilitated” (disqualified) from running, a claim spread via TikTok by “Bolivia News Network.” However, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) confirmed Velasco remains a valid candidate. Similarly, Mamen Saavedra, a candidate for Mayor of Santa Cruz representing VOS, was falsely accused of “blanqueando” (laundering) campaign funds through kermesses (community fairs).
The Rise of AI-Generated Disinformation
The sophistication of these campaigns is escalating, with the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The account “Informante Equis” utilized AI to impersonate a television presenter, falsely claiming access to an “exclusive audio” recording. “Noticiashoy.bol” on TikTok disseminated a video falsely attributing statements to another journalist. Even the visual identity of established news networks was exploited, with a TikTok video from “sincorruptosscz” falsely alleging that a councilman and his team had funded a “dirty war” using public funds.
Pro Tip: Always verify information from multiple, reputable sources before sharing it online. Be especially cautious of videos and images, as these are easily manipulated.
Beyond Fabricated Claims: Misleading Interpretations
Disinformation isn’t limited to outright fabrication. Miguel Cadima Castro, a candidate for Governor of Santa Cruz representing Todos, incorrectly stated that Law 1333 of the Environment prohibits “chqueos” (controlled burns) to prevent fires. While the law regulates these practices, it does not impose a complete ban.
The Vulnerability of Candidates
The report identifies a pattern of attacks on candidates, demonstrating a deliberate strategy to exploit vulnerabilities during the candidate vetting process. The image of the TSE itself was misused to discredit candidates like Juan Pablo Velasco.
Previous Controversies Surrounding Juan Pablo Velasco
While currently listed as a valid candidate by the TSE, Juan Pablo Velasco has faced prior scrutiny. In September 2025, reports surfaced regarding potentially racist messages posted from a Twitter account registered to him with the TSE. He denied the authenticity of these messages, claiming the account had been hacked. Bolivia Verifica and Chequea Bolivia both confirmed the account’s registration to Velasco.
Looking Ahead: Potential Future Trends
The current trends suggest a likely escalation of disinformation tactics in future elections. We can anticipate:
- Increased AI Sophistication: AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic media will become more convincing and harder to detect.
- Platform Diversification: While TikTok is currently the primary vector, disinformation campaigns will likely expand to other platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
- Hyper-Targeted Disinformation: Campaigns will become increasingly personalized, targeting specific demographics with tailored messages.
- Blurring of Lines Between Fact and Fiction: The proliferation of AI-generated content will make it increasingly difficult for voters to distinguish between genuine news and fabricated narratives.
FAQ
Q: What is Bolivia Verifica?
A: Bolivia Verifica is an organization dedicated to fact-checking and combating disinformation in Bolivia.
Q: What is the role of the TSE?
A: The TSE (Tribunal Supremo Electoral) is the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, responsible for overseeing and regulating elections in Bolivia.
Q: How can I protect myself from disinformation?
A: Verify information from multiple reputable sources, be skeptical of sensational headlines, and be aware of the potential for manipulated media.
Did you understand? The use of AI in disinformation campaigns is a global phenomenon, posing a significant threat to democratic processes worldwide.
Stay informed about the latest developments in the Bolivian elections and the fight against disinformation. Explore the full report from Bolivia Verifica here.
Related reading