Bolivia’s presidential vote headed for first-ever runoff

Bolivians face a historic runoff presidential election after centrist Sen. Rodrigo Paz led Sunday’s vote with 32.8%, ahead of right-wing former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga at 26.4%, but short of a majority.

Paz will face Quiroga on Oct. 19.

The result marks a major setback for the leftist MAS party, whose candidates garnered minimal support, ending nearly 20 years of dominance.

Paz’s moderate stance, distancing himself from both MAS and hardline right-wing policies, reflects public unease with extreme shifts amid Bolivia’s economic crisis, including fuel shortages, high inflation, and a lack of US dollars, CNN has reported.