Politics & Government Guide
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Bolivia
Bolivia underwent a significant political shift in October 2025 when center-right Christian Democrat Rodrigo Paz defeated right-wing former president Jorge Quiroga in a runoff election, ending nearly two decades of left-wing Movement for Socialism rule. Paz was sworn in on November 8, 2025, amid Bolivia's worst economic crisis in 40 years, with his administration prioritizing economic stabilization and institutional reform. The election represents a regional trend toward centrist governance rather than populist or far-right approaches.
Government Type
Presidential Republic
Legal System
Civil law system with constitutional court oversight; includes Plurinational Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Justice, Agrarian and Environmental Court, and independent electoral branch
Head of State
President Rodrigo Paz Pereira(since 2025)
Head of Government
President Rodrigo Paz Pereira(Christian Democratic Party)since 2025
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Center-right
Left-wing
Voting Rights
All citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote. Presidential elections are held every five years by popular vote. Legislative elections use mixed systems: Senate members elected by proportional representation from party lists; Chamber of Deputies includes directly elected members from single districts, indigenous districts, and proportional representation from party lists.
Recent Developments
- Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party won the October 2025 presidential runoff, ending nearly two decades of left-wing Movement for Socialism governance
- Bolivia faces its worst economic crisis in 40 years, which was a primary driver of the political shift
- New administration pledged to stabilize the economy and allocate greater resources to subnational governments
- Focus on modernizing the justice system and combating corruption through institutional reforms
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