Polls & Research

Morales Now Five Points Ahead in Bolivia

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Movement to Socialism (MAS) candidate Evo Morales continues to lead all contenders in Bolivia, according to a poll by Grupo Ipsos Captura. 32.8 per cent of respondents would vote for the indigenous leader in this month's presidential election.

Former head of state Jorge Quiroga of We Can (Podemos) is second with 27.7 per cent, followed by Samuel Doria Medina of the National Unity Front (FUN) with 9.4 per cent, and Michiaki Nagatani of the Nationalist Revolutionary Movement (MNR) with 5.5 per cent.

The remaining presidential candidates are Felipe Quispe of the Indigenous Pachakuti Movement (MIP), Gildo Angulo of the New Republican Force (NFR), Néstor García of the Bolivian Workers Social Union (USTB) and Eliseo Rodríguez of the Bolivian Farming Patriotic Front (FREPAB).

In June, a series of demonstrations calling for the nationalization of the hydrocarbon industry and constitutional amendments forced the resignation of interim president Carlos Mesa. Former chief justice of the Supreme Court Eduardo Rodríguez became the country's head of state, promising to hold a presidential election before the end of the year.

On Nov. 2, the election was re-scheduled for Dec. 18 after a deal was reached to finalize the regional allocation of legislative seats. A constituent assembly and a referendum on the current division of powers would take place in July 2006.

On Dec. 4, the government called for an inquiry over a statement by MAS member Román Loayza, who said his political party would reach power "either by good or bad means" and added that MAS politicians had already contacted members of the military and police officers.

On Dec. 5, Morales accused interim president Rodríguez of becoming involved in the campaign, saying, "The president has joined the race in support of one of the traditional, neo-liberal parties, thereby collaborating in a dirty war against the MAS."

Polling Data

If these candidates ran for president, which one would you support?