Bolivian Campaigns Heat Up as Silence Looms: A Appear at Closing Strategies
As the March 22nd subnational elections draw near, political organizations across the Department of La Paz are staging energetic closing rallies. This past Saturday saw a flurry of activity, with caravans, musical performances, and temporary road closures marking the final push for votes. The approaching silence electoral period, beginning March 19th, adds urgency to these last-minute efforts.
MTS Mobilizes Supporters in El Alto and La Paz
The Movimiento Tercer Sistema (MTS), led by Félix Patzi, held a significant closing rally in El Alto. The event featured a caravan of supporters and the participation of their candidates for mayor of El Alto, David Vargas, and La Paz, Jorge Dulón. The rally, centered around the plaza de la Cruz in Villa Adela, included performances by popular musical groups like Huayna Wila and Saymon y los Cochalitos, leading to the temporary closure of a key road connecting to Viacha.
Patzi, who is running for Governor of La Paz, has been actively campaigning across the department. He recently proclaimed David Vargas as the MTS candidate for Mayor of El Alto, citing Vargas’s past experiences. The MTS similarly registered Jorge Dulon as their candidate for Mayor of La Paz in December 2025.
Competing Rallies and Traffic Disruptions
The Nueva Generación Patriótica (NGP) also held a closing campaign event in El Alto, near the Mi Teleférico station. Their rally featured performances by Los Awatiñas, Elizabeth Flores (Florelisa), and El Clan Explosivo, also resulting in road closures on Avenida Panorámica. Similar scenes unfolded in municipalities surrounding El Alto, including Pucarani, Viacha, Achocalla, La Asunta, Coroico, and Coripata, with various political organizations staging events and utilizing live music to attract supporters.
A Final Sprint Before the Electoral Silence
With only days remaining before the electoral silence begins, candidates are intensifying their efforts to secure voter support. The silence electoral period is a critical juncture, prohibiting further campaigning and allowing voters time for reflection before casting their ballots. The events this past Saturday demonstrate a concentrated effort to maximize visibility and mobilize supporters in these final moments.
Patzi’s Platform: Infrastructure and Decentralization
Félix Patzi has proposed significant infrastructure changes, specifically suggesting the demolition of the Hospital de Clínicas to construct a new facility in its place, alongside the building of two additional hospitals of third-level care in La Paz and El Alto. He argues this decentralization is necessary to reduce overcrowding and improve healthcare access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the electoral silence period?
A: The electoral silence period begins on Thursday, March 19th.
Q: Who are the candidates for Mayor of El Alto?
A: David Vargas is the MTS candidate for Mayor of El Alto.
Q: What is Félix Patzi’s position in the election?
A: Félix Patzi is a candidate for Governor of La Paz.
Q: What is the Movimiento Tercer Sistema (MTS)?
A: The MTS is a political movement that registered candidates for various positions in La Paz.
Did you know? Road closures due to campaign rallies are common in Bolivia during election periods, often impacting daily commutes.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about traffic updates during the election period, as rallies and events may cause disruptions.
Explore more about the Bolivian elections and local politics on ABI.bo. Share your thoughts on the closing campaign strategies in the comments below!
