"Evo Morales reignites tensions in Bolivia with party congress in Villa Tunari."

Evo Morales, the former Bolivian president who governed from 2006 to 2019, has reignited political tension in the country by calling for a party congress that, under pressure from his supporters, transformed into a "national expanded meeting." The gathering, held in Villa Tunari, Cochabamba, focused on defending his candidacy for the general elections of 2025 and, surprisingly, the attendees warned that, if necessary, they would block roads to "enforce" this nomination. Morales' decision to hold this meeting reflects the growing fracture within the Movement for Socialism (MAS), the party he founded. Although the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) did not oversee the originally proposed congress, Morales claimed that he is "legally enabled" to be a candidate, an argument dismissed by the electoral body. This type of challenge opens a new phase of political uncertainty in Bolivia, where internal conflicts between rival factions have become increasingly evident. In a tense atmosphere, the former president emphasized that "what is decided here is done throughout Bolivia," and that the decisions made by his supporters must be respected by the Government and the TSE. This statement reveals not only his intention to maintain control over the MAS but also his direct challenge to the current president, Luis Arce, who has attempted to distance himself from Morales' decisions and his affiliated group. The conflict between the factions of MAS has intensified since 2021, when Morales and Arce began to drift apart, leading to an internal struggle for leadership of the party. Arce and the vice president, David Choquehuanca, did not attend the meeting, arguing that social organizations, the party's base, were not properly represented. This disagreement highlights the lack of unity within the MAS and the complexity of the Bolivian political landscape. Another point of friction between the factions is the annulment of the primary elections, agreed upon by all political forces except for Morales' supporters. This has been interpreted by his followers as an attempt by the Government to hinder his candidacy and limit his political influence. Morales has described these decisions as part of a calculated plan to weaken his position and that of his supporters. Furthermore, the TSE has issued warnings to the MAS for failing to comply with the required procedures for renewing its leadership. If the party does not act on these warnings, it could face the loss of its legal status, which would increase pressure on Morales and his allies to consolidate their control and legitimacy within the party ahead of the 2025 election. The situation is further complicated by the polarization that has developed among MAS sectors. Some leaders warn that insisting on Morales' candidacy could further fracture the party and open the door to a potential electoral debacle in the future. The lack of consensus and rising internal tensions not only threaten the cohesion of MAS but also the overall political stability of the country. In this context, Morales remains a polarizing figure. His supporters view him as a leader representing the interests of the working and peasant classes, while his detractors accuse him of trying to return to power through the back door, which could destabilize the country. The struggle for the direction of the MAS reflects a broader battle in Bolivia, where political identity and historical memory are at stake. The future of Bolivian politics appears uncertain. With pressure from Morales' affiliated sectors and the Government's resistance, the situation could lead to an open conflict that affects both governance and the economy. As the streets may witness blockades and protests, the international community watches closely, hoping that Bolivian institutions find a path toward reconciliation and stability.