In June 2025, Bolivia found itself at the center of a political and social process that closely concerned public opinion and international observers. The rejection of former president Evo Morales’ candidacy application by the country’s high judicial body on constitutional grounds triggered mass protests with wide participation; this development caused debates in the context of democratic functioning, institutional balance, and social representation in Bolivia. The demonstrations organized in the capital La Paz and other major cities turned into clashes between security forces and protesters in some regions; casualties occurred during the events.[1]
The developments that occurred can be evaluated not merely as a current and limited protest movement; but also as a multi-layered social-political rupture moment where Bolivia’s historically accumulated structural problems, identity-based representation issues, and institutional trust crisis gained a new dimension. These protests can be read as part of a broader pattern frequently observed throughout Latin America, reflecting tensions between the people’s democratic representation demands and constitutional limits. Particularly when compared with similar mass social movements experienced in recent years in countries like Colombia, Chile, and Ecuador; the protests in Bolivia also contain the reaction of broad segments caught between the state apparatus’s efforts to re-establish legitimacy and the perception of historical exclusion.
In this framework, the Bolivia example is a reflection of the incompatibility between the continent’s progress in integrating indigenous peoples into politics and the institutional system’s capacity to make this transformation sustainable. As in the protests that began in Chile in 2019 and resulted in constitutional reform, in Bolivia too, the people’s demand is not only economic; but also for a more inclusive public order in the context of cultural and political representation. However, in Bolivia, this process emerges in a more conflictual manner due to the populist leadership built around indigenous identity not being able to fully integrate into the institutionalization process.
The direct trigger of the protests in question is the Constitutional Court’s decision that Morales cannot participate in presidential elections. Morales and his supporters interpreted this decision as a form of removal shaped by political orientations; in contrast, opposition circles evaluated the decision within the framework of protecting the constitutional order.[2] Deaths occurred in the demonstrations that developed in this framework; the loss of life of two police officers increased concerns regarding the security dimension of the events.[3] However, it is seen that these events are not limited to an individual political figure’s candidacy; on the contrary, they are also connected to a series of structural issues inherent in Bolivia’s recent history. Morales’ coming to power in 2006 was evaluated by many circles as a turning point for indigenous peoples who had been kept outside the political system for many years. The “Plurinational state (Estado Plurinacional)” understanding was shaped during this period with the promise of a participatory and inclusive governance model. However, Morales’ consecutive participation in elections and his candidacy again in 2019 following the 2016 referendum result caused some constitutional debates and criticism from the opposition.
The crisis experienced in the post-2019 period and Morales’ departure from the country created a new sensitivity regarding inter-institutional balances in Bolivia. The Luis Arce Government, which came to power with the 2020 elections, while continuing the Morales line, has in some respects aimed to redefine this legacy within institutional limits. However, Morales’ pursuit of active political participation again as of 2025 was met with various reactions within both the judiciary and political institutions; ultimately, his candidacy was prevented on legal grounds. The sociological dimension of the protests that emerged in this process is also noteworthy. The reactions in regions where the indigenous population predominantly lives were evaluated not only in the context of support for an individual politician; but also in connection with the perception of historical exclusion and political representation problems. Security approaches toward the protests made perception differences regarding institutional trust among different segments more visible.[4]
The international community’s approach has been mostly measured. While some governments in Latin America made solidarity-based statements regarding the process, some Western actors emphasized the rule of law and constitutional institutions. These reactions show that the developments in Bolivia are read not only in a national context but also within the framework of regional and global relations. Particularly Bolivia’s strategic position in terms of natural resources and the influence of actors like China and the US in the region also increase the international repercussions of such domestic political developments.
In conclusion, the June 2025 protests in Bolivia point to a period when fundamental concepts such as political representation, constitutional balance, and social participation are once again questioned. Supporting efforts to resolve the crisis not only within legal limits but also with inclusive mechanisms that prioritize social dialogue is important for long-term stability. In this context, Bolivia’s future depends on the harmonious fulfillment of the healthy functioning of institutional legitimacy and the people’s representation expectations.
[1] “Deadly clashes over Morales candidacy deepen Bolivia crisis in election run-up”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/17/bolivia-crisis-morales-clashes, (Date Accessed: 24.06.2025).
[2] Same place.
[3] “2 police officers killed in Bolivia amid protests over Morales candidacy ban”, Anadolu Ajansı, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/2-police-officers-killed-in-bolivia-amid-protests-over-morales-candidacy-ban/3594753, (Date Accessed: 24.06.2025).
[4] “Antigovernment protests in Bolivia leave multiple people dead”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/12/antigovernment-protests-in-bolivia-leave-multiple-people-dead, (Date Accessed: 24.06.2025).
