Updated on 24 October 2019
US Department of State and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel
Warnings: As of 24 October 2019, there are travel alerts for Bolivia.
There are recurring demonstrations, strikes, roadblocks, and marches in major cities in
Bolivia. Demonstrations and marches are centered on city plazas, vote counting centers,
and electoral tribunals. Roadblocks and strikes cut off traffic on major thoroughfares,
highways between cities, and airport access. There are reports of sporadic violence, and
local authorities have used crowd control measures to discourage protests.
Domestic and international flights may be delayed or cancelled, and road travel around and
between cities may be impeded.
Situation:
Elections were held in Bolivia on Sunday, October 20 th with the initial results of a quick
count showing a tight race between current president Evo Morales and challenger Carlos
Mesa. On Monday night another count showed Morales as having a 10-point lead, which
would ward off a runoff vote and make Morales the winner. Protests broke out with chants
of “fraud”, claims that the vote had been rigged and attacks on election facilities. Protests
continued Tuesday in La Paz and other cities as the integrity of the vote was called into
question by the Organization of American States.
As of Wednesday morning, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal held a recount and confirmed
that Morales won by a 10.02-point margin. Union leaders and activists called for an
indefinite, countrywide strike, accusing Morales of stealing the election. Mesa is calling for
action as he fears the vote was rigged behind the scenes.
Morales has been in office since 2006.
Possible Effects:
Increased security presence
Disrupted modes of transportation
Disruptions in deliveries of supplies
Increases in traffic, especially near protest sites
Roads blocked by protestors with little to no notice
Protests which have the possibility of turning violent
Mitigating Factors to Apply:
Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large crowds, which have the possibility of turning violent
Allow extra time for travel
Monitor local and social media for updates
Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
If you are caught in a blockade:
Remain calm
Do not exit your vehicle
Call the authorities
Emergency Services (police, fire, and medical): 110
U.S. Embassy at +591 (2) 216-8000
Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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