Bolivia
Bolivia is a democracy where credible elections have been held regularly. While mass protests and violence erupted after the disputed 2019 elections, new general elections held in 2020 and subnational elections held in 2021 were credible and fair, and stakeholders accepted the results. Nevertheless, the underlying causes of the political violence of 2019 still pose a threat to the country’s political stability. Child labor and violence against women are persistent problems, independent and investigative journalists face harassment, and the judiciary is highly politicized and hampered by corruption.
Freedom in the World — Bolivia Country Report
Bolivia is rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.
Countries in the Spotlight
Countries in the Spotlight features countries that experienced important developments in 2019 that affected their democratic trajectory, and deserve special scrutiny in 2020. In Bolivia, protesters helped oust President Evo Morales after he claimed a fourth term in a severely compromised election, and a new vote is expected this year. View the full Freedom in the World report to see the other Countries in the Spotlight.
