Three individuals have been apprehended in the case of the lithium pools, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

 So far, three individuals have been apprehended in the investigation into the industrial evaporation pools of Bolivian Lithium Deposits (YLB), reported Cesar Siles, the Attorney General of the State, on Tuesday.

"Not only is Mr. Luis Arberto Echazú (former Minister of Mining and former national manager of Evaporitic Resources) apprehended, but three individuals have been apprehended so far in this investigation," he said.

On April 18, the executive president of YLB, Karla Calderón, filed a formal complaint with the Public Ministry for the alleged commission of crimes including damaging contracts to the state, breach of duties, uneconomic conduct, and breach of contracts due to an alleged economic damage of more than Bs 425 million.

The Prosecutor's Office decided to participate in this criminal process, according to Siles, due to the "serious economic damage to the state" and because they are "serious acts of corruption."

He pointed out that, in general terms, three incidents are being investigated: poorly elaborated or designed technical specifications, poorly executed supervision or oversight of contract execution, and the lack of maintenance on the 18 pools.

He added that a commission of three prosecutors is now investigating the case after a complaint with at least 4,020 attached pages was admitted.

He confirmed that there are 12 suspects in this investigative process and that arrest warrants have already been issued against all of them.

According to Siles, through requests made to the Immigration Department, it was established that "they all have significant and recent migratory flow," representing a flight risk, and furthermore, none of them, at least at this moment, has a stable or fixed job.

Evo Morales confesses that before they paid him first-class tickets and now they send him private planes.

Evo returned from Venezuela and didn't hold back. First, he described it as a racist act to criticize him for traveling on private flights, like his colleague Loza going to see a Real Madrid match, and then he attacked a minister.

Former president Evo Morales described it as an act of racism to question him for traveling on private planes, and admitted that he receives invitations from left-wing governments that used to send him in business class alongside "old men and women full of rings" and now they put him on fully paid private planes, "to safeguard his security."

"I deeply regret those questions about why Evo travels on a private plane. I want the Bolivian population to know that my first invitation to Europe was in 1989, all expenses paid. Then I had many others, as a leader I traveled to four continents, all expenses paid. Once the Government of Portugal invited me to a three-day conference and in the end the organizing team gave me 600 dollars as an allowance. I was scared, I didn't want to receive it. I got scared. They insisted. I brought that money and accounted for it to the special federation of workers of the Tropic of Cochabamba," said Evo Morales this Sunday.

He admitted that for subsequent invitations "they sent business class tickets, there only old men and women full of rings and jewelry traveled. As time goes by, now the former president receives invitations and they send him private planes. I ask Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, Paraguay, Brazil or Peru, how much do they pay? And they respond to me that they send a plane for security reasons."

Therefore, he clarified that these comments against him have a "racist" tint. "Leonardo Loza (MAS Senator and coca grower like him) goes to see a match in Europe and a scandal is created. Racism, racism, racism. They pay me private planes, and another scandal."

As retaliation, the former president sent a message and asked the Minister of Public Works, Édgar Montaño, former deputy: "If he is honest, let him say it. Two years ago, at around 6:00 in the morning in the La Coronilla area, he only arrived in his car, his former driver whom they fired, let him publicly say how much money he received. If he is honest, he knows. That driver will speak out, anytime he will tell the truth. Hopefully they don't repress him, the minister knows what we are talking about."

He demanded Minister Montaño to execute the guarantee bonds for the execution of sections in the Tropic of Cochabamba, and he went on: "because that has a cost. He said that we need to investigate, let's investigate, but thoroughly."

He then insisted that he feels like a victim of a racist act. "How can an indigenous person travel on a private plane, how can an indigenous person go to see a match in Europe. Pure racism. I have two trips, one to Brazil and one to Paraguay, and for both they will send private planes," he asserted. "Once they refused to sell jet fuel to a plane, dogs everywhere, you can't imagine the telephone argument I had."

He also complained about entering with his passport, "On Saturday I got angry, and mind you, I have a diplomatic document, but still I told them to check, they got scared. I realized that a guy was taking a picture of me, I also took one of him. I commented on this at a meeting outside the country and former Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa told me that they shouldn't control me because I am a former president. They don't understand what's going on in Bolivia."

Regarding the meeting in Caracas, Morales recounted that "there were (representatives from) more than 60 countries, people convinced in this anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist struggle. Commander Nicolás Maduro, following in the footsteps of Hugo Chávez and consolidating the revolution in Venezuela. He reported that we must continue resisting, between last year and this year there were five assassination attempts, interventionism by the US, I was impressed."

The government prepares a photography and TikTok contest among census takers to reward their experience.

 This Sunday, the Minister of Planning, Sergio Cusicanqui, shared some good news. In the upcoming days, a photography and TikTok contest will be launched aimed at volunteer census takers. "We will recognize and reward the most creative works that reflect the work done during the census day," he said.

"Our deep gratitude and pride towards the hundreds of thousands of volunteer census takers who traveled throughout the country to collect important information for our development and future," he expressed, and his words were also reflected in the bulletin that the Vice Ministry of Communication began to circulate.

The commitment of our census takers has been recognized by the entire Bolivian people, and we want to hear about your experiences and anecdotes from the census day. Therefore, we will launch a contest in which you can share your experiences through photographs or TikToks. This is what the preview of the invitation says, as soon the channels through which to send the photos and videos will be announced.

"We invite you to be part of this exciting contest that will allow us to learn the story of each of our heroes," concludes the suggestive preview of the call.

Evo accuses that among the weaponry delivered by Del Castillo for the fight against drug trafficking there were telescopic sights and suppressors.

 Former President Evo Morales, during his program on Radio Kawsachun Coca, once again lashed out against the Minister of Government, Eduardo Del Castillo, referring to the recent delivery of equipment for the fight against drug trafficking that he provided to the Felcn in Cochabamba. He claimed that members of the national police, as well as the Armed Forces, revealed to him that among the weaponry there were telescopic sights and suppressors.

"That's for killing. When they shoot, it won't be heard because of the suppressors. On the other hand, the police tell us that we don't need weaponry, what we need are vehicles, patrols (...) So, that raises a lot of suspicion," he accused bluntly.

And the accusations continued: "I don't know if the minister is really sick, because a healthy, honest, responsible person for the nation speaks the truth. Bolivia is a transit point for cocaine, there are airstrips on the border with Peru. The people of Beni know this, the government knows this. Who controls the airstrips in the department of Beni?" he asked.

Hoping not to be mistaken, he stated that never, in the 14 years he was in government, had there been news of so many tons of cocaine from Bolivia, bound for Europe. "But now so many (tons) appear, I repeat once again, that there is no control at the border with Peru. Planes come in, go out, some crash, nobody reports," he accused.

Finally, he complained about the stigmatization, because now in matters of drug trafficking everything is against the Tropics, "as in neoliberal times, we only lack the return of the United States military base." Finally, for the former president and coca leader, the DEA continues to operate in our country. "USAID has officially returned with Áñez (former President Jeanine Áñez), and now with Lucho, USAID continues. That's also a way of how the government of Luis Arce has shifted to the right," he fired.

Background

Last Thursday, the Minister of Government delivered a fleet of aircraft and equipment to the Special Force for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking (Felcn) in the municipality of Chimoré, with the aim of strengthening the anti-drug fight in the Cochabamba Tropics region.

However, the equipment delivery was harshly criticized by Senator Leonardo Loza from the 'Evoist' wing of the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) and coca grower from the Cochabamba Tropics region, who considered it a "provocation" to the region, a stronghold of former President Evo Morales.

"Some comrades were telling us that this seems like a provocation to the region," Loza said, as quoted by Los Tiempos newspaper.

The senator assured that the Felcn personnel themselves informed him that they do not need weapons, but rather their greatest need is to have air and land transportation means.

BoA announces suspension of domestic flights and special measures for the census

 Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) announced on the morning of Thursday, March 21, that domestic air operations will be suspended on Saturday, March 23, the day of the 2024 Population and Housing Census. Only international flights and domestic connecting flights will be maintained. This measure is taken in compliance with Supreme Decree No. 4546, which declares the census a national priority.

Ronald Casso, general manager of BoA, explained that the suspension is due to the current regulations for the census. "We will have limited operations. We will fly on the central axis to connect passengers arriving on international flights or those who need to depart on international flights during that day," he explained at a press conference.

Flights from Cochabamba and La Paz to Santa Cruz

Regarding the connecting flights scheduled for this Saturday, at the three airports in the central axis, Casso reported that a flight will depart from Cochabamba to Santa Cruz at 7:10 in the morning with passengers who need to travel to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and Asuncion. At noon, an international flight will depart for Guarulhos (Sao Paulo).

For the late afternoon, flights are scheduled from Cochabamba and La Paz to Santa Cruz with passengers whose final destination is Buenos Aires, Lima, Miami, and Madrid.

The early hours of March 23 will see passengers arriving in Santa Cruz from Lima and Madrid. Flights from Air Europa, Copa Airlines, and Avianca will also be received, which connect with BoA flights to other cities.

Only passengers with final destinations of Cochabamba and La Paz will be transported. International passengers connecting to other cities in the country will be transported the day after the census. They will be provided transportation to hotels and their flights will be rescheduled at no cost.

Census of BoA staff at airports

In coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) and the National Institute of Statistics (INE), BoA has organized the necessary logistics to census airline staff working at airports on census day.

There will be 40 people working at each airport in the central axis, divided into two shifts (morning and afternoon). They will be censused at the airport early in the morning.

Authorized transportation in the central axis

For passengers traveling this Saturday, transport companies operating at the three airports have been enabled.

•    Viru Viru Airport (Santa Cruz): Association of Microbus Transporters 135 Viru Viru / Phone: 760-90027
•   Jorge Wilstermann Airport (Cochabamba): B-U Microbus Line / Phone: 4-477734923
•   El Alto Airport (La Paz): Contrastar Union / Phone: 732-17668

There will be no commercial activity at the airports.

Passengers are advised to make provisions for food during waiting times at the airports.

Normal flights on Sunday

Domestic and international flights will resume on Sunday, March 24, at the end of the good government decree. The official BoA website displays schedules for all available routes.

European Union contradicts Del Castillo: their cooperation with Bolivia in the fight against drug trafficking does not include the purchase of weapons.

 Through a statement issued this Thursday, the European Union expressed: "(...) We emphasize that none of the components of the cooperation program with Bolivia includes or can be used for the purchase of weaponry."

This contradicts what the Minister of Government, Eduardo Del Castillo, stated during the delivery of weaponry and equipment to combat drug trafficking to the Special Force for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking.

"We have found a strategic partner to fight drug trafficking internationally, which is the European Union, and thanks to this economic support, we have been able to purchase more than 500 weapons; we have been able to upgrade 2 (helicopters) UH, now they are 2 super way; we have already launched 3 Super Puma, one (airplane) C-130, 4 (aircraft) Cessna (...)", Del Castillo declared this Thursday.

Meanwhile, in a press release from that government department, it is detailed: "The weaponry was acquired with the support of the European Union and required an approximate investment of 20 million bolivianos."

On the other hand, the European Union, in the statement issued this Thursday, published the scope of its cooperation program with Bolivia.

"The European Union wishes to remind the public that its cooperation program to combat organized crime and controlled substances in Bolivia aims to strengthen Bolivian anti-drug policies and reduce the supply and demand for illegal drugs within the framework of comprehensive development with coca," reads the first paragraph of the document.

It also clarifies that this program "is the result of a strategy aligned between the priorities of the Bolivian government and those of the EU."

Ministry of Government rectifies

On Thursday night, hours after Del Castillo's statements, the Ministry of Government issued a statement rectifying the minister's assertion. Clarifying that European support was intended for the acquisition of technological equipment, without mentioning the purchase of weapons as mentioned earlier.

"In relation to the recent statements by the European Union that: "none of the components of the cooperation program to Bolivia includes or can be used for the purchase of weaponry," it is important to clarify the following:

    It is important to detail that the weaponry presented today in Chimoré was acquired with own resources from the monetization carried out by Dircabi with assets seized from drug trafficking. The resources for the maintenance and repair of the aircraft come from the TGN, and finally, the resources from the European Union were used for the acquisition of technological equipment such as: night vision goggles, portable equipment for the identification of controlled substances (mass spectrometer equipment, FTIR and RAMAN analysis equipment, RAMAN analyzer equipment).

    With this clarified, we express from the Bolivian Government our firm interest in continuing to work with our strategic partners in the fight against drug trafficking.

Census: They report "herding" people to "inflate" the population of other municipalities

 The councilor of the Democratic Party, Manuel "Mamen" Saavedra, denounced that some municipalities in the country are providing buses to "herd" people who live and work in the city of Santa Cruz, with the purpose of "inflating" the population numbers of their municipalities.

On Thursday night, Mamen arrived at the Bimodal Terminal and spoke with some people who were about to be transported to the municipality of Monteagudo, in the department of Chuquisaca, to be counted in the census on Saturday, March 23.

Some individuals stated that the Municipality of Monteagudo offered them free transportation (round trip) by bus in exchange for being counted in the municipality of Chuquisaca.

Offer on social media

On the social media accounts of that Municipality, a post shows the call for those born in Monteagudo to go there to be counted in the census.

"Unfortunately, there is herding of people two days before the census. They are taking citizens to other municipalities to be counted there, inflating their numbers and taking away numbers from our municipality," said Councilor Saavedra.

Mamen questioned other municipalities in the country for "promoting herding" causing harm to the municipality of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, by reducing its economic resources for health and education.

"The census is for receiving health, education, and employment, and the worst part is that this is being promoted by municipal governments because they are offering free transportation on their official pages for people to be counted there. They are inflating their numbers to receive more income, to the detriment of other municipalities," he lamented.

The councilor from Santa Cruz has doubts about the financing of transportation for these individuals. "The question is who pays for these fleets, are they using public resources, or are they paying out of their own pockets. The fact is they are doing things they shouldn't. And what will happen when these people get sick, where will they turn to? Here, because here they live and work," said Mamen.

The councilor displayed printed images of the municipalities of Monteagudo, Culpina, Padilla, Huacareta, and San Lucas, which supposedly are offering free transportation for people to be counted in those places.

This situation can be verified through the social media pages of some of these municipalities. For example, in Culpina.

This happens in the case of San Pablo de Huacareta:

In the municipality of San Lucas, they offer to transport the natives of that locality who live in Tarija.

Movement at the Bimodal Terminal

On the other hand, from early hours this Thursday in Santa Cruz, there was also a significant movement of people at the Bimodal Terminal, even transport company workers admitted that there was an increase in the demand for tickets to travel within the country.

What are the six must-visit tourist destinations in Bolivia?

 From the mountains and the highlands to the plains and the Amazon, Bolivia is full of spectacular views, archaeological treasures, and a millennia-old culture that attracts thousands of foreign and domestic tourists.

According to Javier Rivera, director of the Hotel Management and Tourism program at Franz Tamayo University, Unifranz, Bolivia has an unparalleled and unique tourism potential in the world.

"Regardless of the type of tourist, people who come to Bolivia usually seek two types of experiences. On one hand, the natural beauty of sites they won't find elsewhere, such as the Salar de Uyuni or Madidi, and on the other hand, they seek cultural tourism. In this sense, they try to connect with local cultures, learn from them, see their production processes, see all the knowledge acquired through generations, and that is seen through their culture. Everything that stands out, such as the beauty of the salt flat, the exuberance of Madidi, or the experience of living in a high-altitude city like La Paz, are the triggers that catch the attention of those who are encouraged to visit Bolivia," says the expert.

Enrique Saravia, president of the Bolivian Receptive Tourism Association, indicates that it is a priority for the country to promote our main destinations in international markets with the aim of attracting international tourists and generating greater foreign exchange income for the country.

"We have to develop joint promotion policies and attract tourists to come to Bolivia and return," he adds.

The unmissable destinations

Saravia indicates that there are countless tourist destinations in the country, which cater to different types of tourists, but in his opinion, six stand out above the rest.

Salar de Uyuni and the colored lagoons

"Starting the journey, the Salar de Uyuni, one of our flagship destinations, is at the top of the list, with its otherworldly landscape, starry nights, walks through the salt desert, and its beautiful hotels," he says.

The Salar de Uyuni is the highest and largest salt flat in the world. Its extension is approximately 12,000 km2. Additionally, it is the largest lithium reserve on the continent.

During the rainy season, water remains on the surface of the Salar and produces a reflection like that of a mirror. Many tourists visit it just to appreciate this landscape since the horizon is lost in the reflection, the sky merges with it, and it seems to float in the clouds.

The "mirror effect" of the salt flat allows for the creation of 360° videos and incredible photographs. In addition to the sensation of truly floating between the sky and the earth. During the dry season, the magnificence of the landscape is ideal for perspective photos.

On the other hand, the colored lagoons, so named for the different shades they present due to the minerals they contain, offer impressive landscapes and a large amount of native bird fauna that visit them.

Samaipata Fortress

With its warm climate and hospitable people, Samaipata has won the hearts of international tourists who arrive every year in the municipality located in the department of Santa Cruz to visit its greatest attraction, "The Fortress," a carved rock dating back more than 2 thousand years, declared by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Samaipata is also a meeting place of many cultures where the Morning Star is celebrated, which for the Guarani culture signifies the beginning of a new dawn renewing hopes and the light that guides them to the "land without evil."

Saravia points out that this destination is a great natural refuge for people seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Royal Range

"The snow-capped mountains of the Royal Range offer tourists not only spectacular views but also the unique opportunity to climb some of the most beautiful peaks of the Andes," expresses the president of Abatur.

The Royal Range, located in the department of La Paz, rises as a natural barrier between the Andes and the Amazon, a place full of magic and culture. From its foothills, the water flows that feeds the Amazon forests and the highlands.

With snowy peaks ranging from 5,500 meters to 6,500 meters above sea level, they form a mountain range of 600 snow-capped peaks that occur in an approximate length of 200 kilometers. They divide the highlands at 4,000 meters above sea level and the Amazon region at 500 meters.

The different summits of the mountain range challenge the practice of mountaineering, offering the opportunity to engage in rock and ice climbing, ascents, walks along pre-Hispanic roads, ski touring, alpine skiing (5,100 to 5,300 meters), trekking, and mountain biking (Zongo), as well as experiencing feelings of deep peace and serenity while admiring the waters of its lagoons with truly fascinating scenery and landscapes.

The Takesi Trail

This pre-Columbian trail, which starts at the foothills of the mountain range and reaches the town of Yanacachi in the Yungas of La Paz, is part of the Inca Trail or Qhapac Ñan, a network of paths that stretches from Ecuador in the north to Argentina and Chile in the south.

"Through this trail, you can see the change in microclimates from the highlands, through the mountain range, to the Yungas valleys, in a trekking experience full of beautiful landscapes and culture, as the stones you walk on have been there for hundreds of years, placed by the cultures that preceded us," adds Saravia.

Madidi and the Amazon

Madidi is the richest natural reserve and protected area in the world, expressed in the diversity of ecosystems and species of flora and fauna. It contains 12 major vegetation formations, the best example of pristine savannas, and the most extensive and best-preserved mountain forests in Bolivia.

So far, 193 families and 8,244 species of vascular plants have been identified in the area, representing around 60% of Bolivia's flora. Of these species, 110 are new to Bolivia and 93 are endemic. Madidi also hosts a diversity of animals, confirming the presence of 1,466 species of vertebrates. It is estimated that, as scientific information about the region increases, the number of vertebrates could exceed 2,000 species.

On the other hand, it is an area of great cultural diversity, inhabited by various cultural groups speaking Tacana languages: Toromonas, Araonas, Ixiamas, Tacanas, Cavinas, Esse Ejjas, Uchupiamonas, Eparamonas, and Pamainos. Communities of Leco origin also shared the territory.

Toro Toro

Located in the department of Potosí, the Toro Toro National Park is a place frozen in time, marked by the footprints left by dinosaurs that roamed its lands millions of years ago.

Its canyon, El Vergel, the Umajalanta Cave, and the City of Itas are other attractions offered by this destination, which is also a global point for birdwatching and ecotourism in the country.

Other destinations

"We have enormous potential in the country, where culture and nature are our main attractions: natural reserves, archaeological sites, cities full of culture are our offering," explains Rolando Mendoza, member of the Tourism Board and director of the Hotel Chamber of La Paz.

Mendoza indicates that every town, municipality, and community has unparalleled tourism potential, and every day new destinations are discovered. However, the expert highlights some such as La Chiquitanía in Santa Cruz, the Valle de Los Cintis in Chuquisaca, and the Amazon rivers in the departments of Beni and Pando.

"We have thousands of attractions, and every day we discover many more. What we lack is working on those products to add value to them, provide easy access, service conditions; these are very easy things that boil down to a positive attitude change and joint work," he expresses.

Disqualified Applicants Resist and Prepare for Mass Appeals

 A total of 715 professionals submitted their documents over the course of 20 days during the candidate registration phase for judges of the Judicial Branch and its four bodies. On Friday, the review of requirements concluded, and the balance of approved and disqualified candidates is at its limit, with 47% qualified and 53% disqualified. The majority of professionals who were excluded are preparing for appeals, which will begin this Monday.

"I was reviewing the list of disqualified candidates, and unfortunately, those listed as qualified are judges and candidates from La Paz. It seems that more importance is given to males; I would even say there is a regional criterion because when looking at the list, there are more disqualifications in the eastern region and not so much in the west," stated Vivian Torrez Saavedra, one of the four female professionals who applied for the Plurinational Constitutional Court (PCC) from Santa Cruz, all of whom were disqualified.

The application process began on February 20, with the last day for submissions being March 10. The following day, the review of the files commenced, concluding on Friday. Now, the phase of appeals begins.

According to the data from the Citizen Oversight, Santa Cruz submitted 17 applicants, of which only two qualified; Beni submitted 12, and two qualified; Pando had 10 professionals apply, with four qualifying, all of them males. Conversely, 36 professionals applied from La Paz, mostly judges, and 8 women and 19 men were qualified, making it the region with the most representation.

Requirement

"To have a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in performing functions in public or private institutions, or in the freelance practice of the profession, related to Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, or Human Rights," states the specific fourth requirement, which was the main barrier for 44% of the candidates for the PCC.

Juan José Subieta Claros is another professional who was disqualified for not meeting this requirement. However, he remains undeterred, stating that he has not only 8 years but 19 years of experience in constitutional law. Like him, other professionals aiming for the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (STJ), the Agro-environmental Tribunal, or the Council of Magistrates will also fight to remain in the pre-selection process.

"They might tell me that I lack experience in corporate law, which I accept, but they cannot tell me that I lack experience in the constitutional area; that would be dishonest, and if they ultimately deny it to me, so be it. One has a clear conscience," said Subieta.

Freddy Durán Montero, a lawyer who applied for the PCC from Santa Cruz, had his application erroneously listed for the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (STJ), which was clarified during the session. However, he was also disqualified for failing to meet the fourth specific requirement. He stated that he has the weekend to decide whether he will appeal his disqualification.

Timelines

Disqualifications are a part of the process that determines the permanence or removal of a candidate because starting Monday, the period for disqualified candidates to appeal and potentially be reinstated begins. At the same time, a period for public or assembly-driven appeals against candidates they believe should not be in the process also begins.

"Any individual or collective person, including Assembly Members of the Chamber of Deputies and Senators, may challenge the applicants, with grounds and attaching suitable evidence, within the established period, which must be notified to the challenged applicant by electronic means (email or WhatsApp)," states article 29 of Law 1549, which regulates these judicial elections.

Candidates have five days to appeal their disqualification, and the respective commission has five days to resolve the observation from the receipt of the appeal. Simultaneously, the public can submit appeals against any of the 351 qualified candidates, whose names will be published on Saturday and Sunday. Those who are appealed against can also request a review of the appeal and present counterarguments, initiating another five-day period to resolve the case. Thus, a total of 20 calendar days will be consumed, leading up to April 7 when the evaluation period will begin.

The Figures

"I understand that my colleague and I are the ones who have met the requirements established by law, the minimum and specific requirements, which is why we are surely at this stage," said Douglas Sahagun Daza, one of the two candidates from Santa Cruz qualified for the PCC.

The PCC and the STJ have departmental representation, so professionals must register for the region they belong to. There are 18 magistrates for each body, 9 titular and 9 alternate. The Law stipulates that the Assembly must send a minimum of 36 candidates for each body, i.e., 72 candidates for the PCC and STJ.

Until 2017, female and indigenous-origin professionals' participation was always an issue. That year, the MAS modified the Law and established that if a region has a participation deficit, it can be supplemented with professionals from other regions.

"Exceptionally, in the absence of an indigenous-origin peasant representative, or if gender equity is not achieved, the candidate with the next best qualification, who is indigenous-origin peasant or a woman, as appropriate, will be enabled from the total number of candidates at the national level," states article 37 of Law 1549.

It was for this reason that parliamentarians did not even debate the possibility of expanding the registration of applications. Assembly Members hope that during this appeal period, the number of female and indigenous peasant participants will increase.

The Self-Extended

The current magistrates who self-extended their terms in office did not hesitate to reapply as candidates. Seven men and six women who are part of or have been part of the STJ, PCC, Agro-environmental Tribunal, or Council of Magistrates are running for other positions.

"From an ethical point of view, why would the application be contradictory? Because I have complied with everything, I have not been irresponsible or incapable; we are presenting ourselves in compliance with the law, the Law allows us to," said Olvis Eguez Oliva, a self-extended STJ member who was disqualified. He had applied to be a magistrate for the PCC but did not have the 8 years of experience in constitutional law required by the fourth specific requirement.

Edwin Aguayo Arando, Ponciano Ruiz Quispe, or Ángela Sánchez Panozo also faced the same fate; they were disqualified.

25% Ethanol Blend Will Not Be Implemented in 2024

 On March 14, the Executive Branch approved Supreme Decree 5135 to gradually replace the importation of inputs, additives, and diesel oil, through blends of biodiesel and anhydrous alcohol with fossil-based fuels up to 25%. The measure will not be implemented immediately, at least not until 2024.

During an interview with the program ¡Qué Semana! on EL DEBER Radio yesterday, the president of YPFB, Armin Dorgathen, announced that the implementation of the measure will have to await the results of independent studies to be carried out by universities, in coordination with vehicle brands and importers.

"I don't estimate that this year we will even reach blending 25% (of alcohol) into gasoline. It will increase based on how gasoline reacts in each of the different regions of the country and the studies being conducted," the executive said.

The announcement of the 25% increase in alcohol in gasoline caused various reactions throughout the country, especially among owners of new vehicles, who mentioned that the purchase warranty could be voided by loading ethanol above the manufacturer's allowed limit. In other sectors, such as transporters, the measure was labeled as a "disguised gasoline price hike."

"It's not about raising it to 25% tomorrow, first we have to regulate, we have to have studies to make this decision. So, what we are going to do is, with institutions external to YPFB, conduct studies to see how much ethanol can be raised in gasoline," Dorgathen explained, using countries like Paraguay as an example, where gasolines contain up to 27% ethanol content, and its vehicle fleet is similar to Bolivia's.

Decree 5135 includes a transitional provision establishing a period of sixty (60) calendar days for the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy to regulate the quality, safety, transportation, storage, and pricing methodology for the commercialization of fossil-based fuels, diesel oil, and gasoline that will be blended with plant-based additives.

Subsequently, the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) will be responsible for determining the technical, economic, and regulatory specifications for blending these additives within thirty (30) calendar days after the issuance of the corresponding regulations.

Types of Gasoline

Dorgathen explained that currently, the national fuel market offers three types of gasoline: Special (85 octane), 'Ethanol' (92 octane), and Premium (95 octane). He clarified that for the implementation of the latter, a regulatory change had to be made to allow the importation of high-octane gasolines through new import points. He also noted that the new Premium gasoline is of higher quality than the previous one and has already captured 7% of gasoline consumers' preferences.

The 13 things you should know about Census Day for Population and Housing

 Six days before the Population and Housing Census, the National Institute of Statistics (INE) has all logistics, personnel, and materials ready to carry out this activity in Bolivia after 12 years.

The census is a statistical procedure that allows for the collection, compilation, evaluation, analysis, publication, and dissemination of characteristics of households and demographic, economic, and social data related to all inhabitants of Bolivia.

On census day, circulation and all economic and commercial activities are prohibited; only census takers and individuals authorized by the INE will be allowed to move.

The information obtained in the census will be used in the planning of public policies and by the Electoral Body for the redistribution of seats and redesign of electoral districts.

The 13 things to know about census day are as follows:

    Organization

INE has over 820,000 volunteer census takers nationwide, along with 4,813 zone chiefs, 268 block chiefs, 1,799 dispersed area chiefs, and 381 census work unit chiefs.

Zone chiefs will open the 6,612 operation centers across the country at 6:00. Half an hour later, they will organize the distribution of census boxes, which will be delivered to sector supervisors until 7:00. INE distributed 90,051 census boxes in the nine departments with bags containing a board, segment map, C-1 and C-2 forms, census questionnaires, a pencil case with pencil, eraser, and sharpener, the census taker's credential, and stickers with the legend "Censused Residence."

    Census Takers

Census takers are prohibited from entering homes; the interview will take place at the door of the residence or apartment, in the case of condominiums.

Census takers will carry credentials with a QR code to confirm that they are enumerators.

Each urban census taker will enumerate 10 households, and in rural or dispersed areas, 30 to 35 dwellings, but within a three-day period.

Volunteers will visit over 5.8 million households nationwide.

Once the interview in each residence is completed, the census agent will place the "Censused Residence" sticker on the door.

    Good Governance Order

Departamental autonomous governments issued respective good governance orders; most prohibit circulation from 00:00 to 23:50 on Saturday and the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages from 00:00 on Friday until 23:59 on Saturday, along with other prohibitions such as carrying weapons or dangerous objects.

    Schedule

Citizens should expect census takers from 8:00 in the morning until 19:30 and must provide accurate information for proper form completion.

    Those Enumerated

All members of the family should be present during form completion, including household dependents.

Only individuals with a special permit issued by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) will be allowed to circulate.

Once enumerated, individuals cannot leave their homes until 23:59 on the same day.

Additionally, they must keep their pets indoors to avoid incidents with volunteer census takers.

    Census Form

The census form includes 59 questions to be answered by the head of the household.

The average completion time for the questionnaire is 40 minutes.

The form must be completed in pencil because during the interview, the volunteer may make an error or the respondent may give an incorrect answer, and the error can be corrected.

The census form for the National Population and Housing Census of March 23, 2024, contains seven chapters and 59 questions, 10 more than in the 2012 process. The seven chapters relate to housing location, housing type, housing characteristics, migration, mortality, person listing, and characteristics of each person.

    Restrictions

On March 23, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited.

From 00:00 on Saturday, March 23, the movement of people and vehicles without the respective authorization will be prohibited.

Interdepartmental travel will be limited one day before the census. The police and terminal administrators must enforce this provision, considering that from 00:00 on March 23, no one can be on the streets or engaged in any activity.

On March 23, Census Day 2024, international borders will be closed, and there will be no land, rail, lake, river, or air transport services.

Bus terminals will suspend departures on Friday, March 22, according to the travel time to their destinations, which must be before midnight.

Only international flights will be operated at airports.

    Sanctions

The National Institute of Statistics and the Police coordinated that among the penalties applied to individuals who violate the good governance order is an eight-hour arrest.

Both police officers and the Armed Forces will be responsible for enforcing the provisions on census day.

Police officers will be on duty and enumerated one day before so that on census day, March 23, they can carry out control and security operations.

    Application

The National Institute of Statistics will provide an application for census takers and supervisors. It is an emergency button to report dangerous situations or risks during census day.

    Media

Between four and five press conferences will be held during census day to show the progress of the process. Journalists must have INE accreditation and respective permits for circulation.

    Collective Residences

Hospitals, military units, etc., will be considered collective residences for form completion. In red zones, census takers will have police accompaniment.

    Absentees

People who are traveling will be enumerated wherever they are.

    School

School classes will be suspended on Friday, March 22, in urban areas and only on Monday, March 25, in rural areas.

New WhatsApp Scam: Offering Data to Census Volunteers in Exchange for Personal Information

 Criminals are taking advantage of the proximity of the census to exploit certain individuals, this time targeting census volunteers, whom they send messages to via WhatsApp offering data in exchange for personal information.

The Police in Cochabamba advises against providing any personal data and assures that any legitimate company would not request such confidential information through these platforms.

The National Institute of Statistics (INE) stated that to become a volunteer census taker, one must register through the official website or visit designated offices for training and material distribution.

How do they scam?

A young woman reported receiving WhatsApp messages late at night, stating that if she is a volunteer census taker, she will be provided with data, but before that, she must send her personal information, ID number, home address, telecommunications company associated with her phone line, among other details.

In another instance, a teenager received a call from an unknown number asking for personal information to become a census volunteer. However, the victim alerted the scammer that they cannot provide data over the phone and would approach INE offices instead. After insisting unsuccessfully, the caller hung up.

Deceptive Recruitment

Social media expert Mauricio Méndez explained that this deceptive recruitment, in this case targeting census volunteers, grabs victims' attention by offering sometimes exaggerated benefits.

"It's common for these individuals to attract attention through short messages initially, inviting them to join a company, corporation, or organization where they (victims) can make easy money. They then begin to coax people into providing ID numbers, cell phone numbers, full names, and more. Often, these individuals engage in some form of social engineering to access their accounts," said Méndez.

He emphasized that scammers request this personal information to gain access to victims' email accounts and subsequently their bank accounts. "Once they have access, they can even obtain passwords for bank accounts."

"The issue with social media allows anonymity, and the lack of stringent registration control for these lines perpetuates these types of scams through platforms like WhatsApp," the expert remarked.

He added that the number should be verified before providing personal data. "Different modalities are emerging every day," he added.

Recommendations

The Cybercrime Unit of the Special Force for Crime Fighting (Felcc) advises the public not to provide personal data to anyone and to verify the information received on their phones.

"No institution is releasing numbers for the census, and undoubtedly, criminals are taking advantage of this situation to request data, which they can use to access bank accounts or create bank accounts with cell phone numbers," said Alex Suntura, head of the Felcc Cybercrime Unit.

Suntura added that in case of any doubts or suspicions, individuals should approach any police unit to report the case.

"If there's an attempted scam, they should come to the cybercrime offices, and we will verify the number or links so they can be eliminated to prevent further crimes. It's a preventive measure by the Cybercrime Division to remove these numbers used for scams," said the police official.

New Interpol Director Appointed After Scandal Involving Officers Accused of Extorting $200,000

 The Prosecutor's Office reported that a preliminary investigation has been opened against the accused for alleged crimes of extortion, bribery, and misuse of influence. 

Colonel Marco Alexeis Murguía Ramos assumed the position of the new director of the Interpol unit in Santa Cruz on Wednesday, replacing Colonel Willy Zeballos, following the disclosure of the accusation against officers accused of extorting $200,000.

Eight police officers were implicated in this crime against a Brazilian citizen. The victim filed a complaint, and the accused appeared yesterday to give their statement to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office in the Specialized Department for the Fight Against Corruption (DELCC).

As a result, the Departmental Police Command ordered that the accused, including colonels holding high positions, be removed from their duties and undergo disciplinary proceedings.

"On superior instructions, we are assuming this departmental leadership with the aim of continuing public service, in light of the various procedures carried out for both national and foreign citizens," stated Murguía.

Regarding the complaint, the new head of Interpol expressed that it is under investigation by DELCC and the Internal Intelligence department, who will determine the circumstances.

The Case

On Sunday, January 26, agents from the Special Force for the Fight Against Violence (Felcv) arrived at a condominium located on the 7th ring of Cristo Redentor Avenue to address a complaint of alleged domestic violence.

While on the premises, the officers observed that the accused was a Brazilian citizen identified as Henrique Lucas de Souza, who did not have his documentation. Therefore, they reported the incident to Interpol for further action.

Upon receiving this information, Interpol dispatched a group of officers to the location, and they attempted to extort $200,000 from the Brazilian.

Prosecutor's Investigation

The assigned prosecutor for the case, Mirtha Mejía, stated that a preliminary investigation has been opened for the alleged crimes of extortion, bribery, and misuse of influence, with the police officers identified as the alleged perpetrators.

"We have not yet individualized the accusations as two police units were involved," said the prosecutor.

Bolivian Police Warns that Dangerous Ecuadorian Fugitive 'Fito' Could Attempt to Enter Bolivian Territory

 Under the international fugitive hashtag, the Bolivian Police shared on their social media the photo of 𝗝osé 𝗔dolfo 𝗠acías 𝗩illamar, a 44-year-old man better known as 'Fito,' a fugitive from justice in Ecuador. He is said to be a former high-risk inmate who is accused of having caused turmoil in the country through recent prison riots and violent outbreaks.

"Having escaped from the Regional Prison of Guayaquil, Republic of Ecuador," states part of the police alert, adding that, according to external information, the fugitive might attempt to enter Bolivian territory.

The police post also urges people to contact them if they spot him or have information about his whereabouts. The contact numbers are: 110, 120, 71280618, or through their social media. They assure that absolute confidentiality will be maintained.

According to the latest intelligence reports from the neighboring country, the most wanted man in Ecuador is believed to be en route to Peru and subsequently intends to reach Bolivia, dismissing the possibility of him being in Colombia.

The military forces maintain a strong and permanent security scheme at four points along the Ecuadorian border, involving more than 450 men and women from the National Army and the Aerospace Force.

Troops are monitoring the International Bridge of Rumichaca, the main border crossing between Ecuador and Colombia. He continues to be sought by authorities as part of the Phoenix Plan, which is being implemented by the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, against criminal structures.

On another note, the departmental prosecutor of Santa Cruz, Róger Mariaca, clarified that "It will be the Bolivian Police or the Ministry of Government, through the corresponding units, who can provide information on this matter (Fito's attempt to enter national territory). Whenever the presence of the Public Ministry is needed for any operation, raid, or other actions, we will be there. If this version is confirmed, rest assured that as the Prosecutor's Office, we will act accordingly."

Another agreement signed with a Chinese consortium to exploit lithium, and Arce announces openness to more international companies

 Bolivian Lithium Deposits (YLB) signed a new agreement on Wednesday with the Chinese consortium CBC for the installation of a pilot plant in the Uyuni salt flat.

The pilot plant will use Direct Lithium Extraction technology, and initially, its capacity will be 2,500 tons per year, as stated by YLB's president, Karla Calderón.

She mentioned that the goal is to have a future plant with a capacity to produce 25,000 tons of lithium carbonate.

President Luis Arce acknowledged that the country was significantly behind in the lithium sector, which is why they are now hastening the industrialization process with "small but significant steps."

Bolivia has previously signed agreements with the same CBC from China, another Chinese company, and Russia's Uranium One for the development of the lithium industry.

However, the president announced that Bolivia is open to receiving more international companies. He mentioned that, even during official trips, there are expressions of interest to invest in cutting-edge technology for Bolivian lithium.

In this context, he informed that a new international call will be opened this January, emphasizing that Bolivia welcomes companies.

Arce clarified that international companies must accept Bolivia's requirements and its business model because the country intends to participate in the entire production chain, up to commercialization.

Letter Sent to the Andean Parliament Demands Replacement of Incorrect Images in Oruro Carnival Video

 The president of the Departmental Committee of Ethnography and Folklore (CDEF) is demanding the removal of incorrect images used in the promotion of the Oruro Carnival by the Andean Parliament based in Peru. The publication in question utilized images of the "diablada" dance from the Peruvian region of Puno.

Andrés Rocha, president of the Departmental Committee of Ethnography and Folklore (CDEF), announced that he will send a letter to the Minister of Cultures, Decolonization, and Depatriarchalization, Sabina Orellana, to file a complaint about a publication by the Andean Parliament based in Peru. The publication in question used images of the "diablada" dance from the Peruvian region of Puno to promote the Oruro Carnival.

Rocha emphasized that the CDEF's role is to protect and monitor videos produced by various local, national, and international institutions. On this occasion, a video was received, disseminated on December 28, 2023, using images unrelated to the Oruro Carnival.

Letter Demands Removal or Replacement of Incorrect Images

In response to this situation, the organizers under Law 602 decided to draft a letter addressed to the Andean Parliament, demanding the removal or replacement of incorrect images with authentic images of the Oruro Carnival, as it has been declared Intangible Heritage of the Andean Community.

Complaint to be Taken to Higher and International Authorities

On January 10, the letter was sent to the Minister of Cultures and Decolonization, Sabina Orellana. She will take this complaint to higher and international authorities since the Andean Parliament is headquartered in Lima, Peru.

Willingness to Provide Documentary Support

"Perhaps international institutions are not aware of this material, but we are prepared to provide documentary support if necessary. We are also willing to collaborate with the Ministry of Cultures to prevent such errors," he stated.

Bolivian Dances Recognized by UNESCO

Rocha also stated that Bolivian dances are recognized by UNESCO, which can be historically demonstrated. On the other hand, Peruvians claiming ownership of the carnival cannot support their claim; some even acknowledge that these dances originate from Bolivia.

Oruro Carnival as Intangible Heritage

The letter mentions that on May 18, 2001, the Oruro Carnival was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and on November 4, 2008, it was incorporated into the action plan for its safeguarding. Additionally, in 2012, the Andean Parliament recognized the Carnival as Intangible Heritage of the Andean community, with its 48 folkloric groups and 20 dance specialties.

CDEF's Commitment to Avoid Future Errors

The Departmental Committee of Ethnography and Folklore expresses its willingness to collaborate to prevent such errors in the future and to promote necessary information. They also extend greetings to the authorities and are ready to work on upcoming cultural activities in support of Bolivian folklore

Everything Ready for the Grand Carnival of Oruro, and Here's the Official Schedule of Activities

 The music and festivities are already in the air. With just under a month to go before Carnival 2023 is celebrated, Oruro, which has established itself as one of the main showcases for this celebration in the country and abroad, is all set to welcome its residents, as well as national and international visitors.

The organizations responsible for the carnival festivities in this region have announced the official activities that will kick off on Saturday, February 3rd with the 22nd Edition of the Carnival Band Festival of Oruro.

Precisely on Friday night, the official launch of the festival took place with the presence of the Minister of Cultures, Decolonization, and Depatriarchalization, Sabina Orellana, and the Departmental Federation of Bands and Professional Musicians of Oruro (Fedbampo).

Following the official announcement, music erupted with the sound of cymbals, trumpets, trombones, and drums, and many present began to dance. A small prelude to what is coming.

In addition to this, the Association of Folklore Groups of Oruro (ACFO) announced earlier that on Saturday, February 10th, during the Carnival Pilgrimage Entry, which is one of the highlights of Carnival, they will unveil four masks placed along the route of the Magnificent Carnival of Oruro to embellish and set the tone for the procession.

Angel Arancibia, president of the ACFO, stated that two of these four folk dance masks would be acquired by the municipality and a company that would collaborate in their creation, while the organization he leads would take care of the other two.

Two of these masks will be placed on Cívica Sanjinés Vincenti Avenue, and the remaining two on 6 de Agosto Avenue.

He mentioned that after a meeting with the three organizations in charge of the Oruro Carnival—the ACFO, the Municipal Autonomous Government of Oruro (GAMO), and the Departmental Committee of Ethnography and Folklore (CDEF), along with other collaborating institutions—they agreed to ensure health and safety with effective control during the festivities.

"We are placing eight giant screens along the route, continuously broadcasting messages related to prevention, responsible drinking, cleanliness, and respecting the sacred pilgrimage space," he explained.

To achieve this, gates and other necessary elements will be placed along the route for the Pilgrimage Saturday Entry.

Arancibia reported that 40 surveillance cameras would be properly installed to control the passage of groups and attendees.

Below is the confirmed schedule of activities in Oruro:

February 3rd: 22nd Edition of the Carnival Band Festival of Oruro

February 4th: Last Convite

February 8th: 31st Edition of the Anata Andina

February 8th: Comadres

February 9th: Chall’a Friday

February 10th: Saturday Pilgrimage Entry of the Carnival of Oruro

February 11th: Carnival Corso Sunday

February 12th: Day of the Devil and the Moreno

February 13th: Challa Tuesday

February 14th: Ash Wednesday

February 18th: Children's Corso

Laundering: Opposition Suggests Investigating Evo for Tambaqui Breeding Amidst Cocaine Factories

 Alberto Astorga, a deputy for Comunidad Ciudadana, has suggested that, following revelations from the Ministry of Government, former president Evo Morales should be investigated for money laundering related to drug trafficking. This comes after the discovery of several tambaqui fish pools amidst seven cocaine production factories in some unions in Villa Tunari in the tropical region of Cochabamba.

In recent hours, Minister Eduardo del Castillo has characterized the January 11, 2023 raid on various unions, including Santivañez, Ismael Montes, 27 de junio, Central Independiente, and Central 14 de Septiembre in Villa Tunari, as historic. According to the authority, these unions had not been intervened by anti-drug police forces for two decades.

The police have released images obtained from a mobile phone, showing tambaqui fish breeding pools surrounded by coca plantations and cocaine factories. The piscicultural activity was initiated by Evo Morales in the Chapare as a supposed productive and alternative activity after his resignation from the presidency.

Del Castillo, through his social media, detailed that 25 mobile cocaine production factories were found and destroyed in the intervened unions, seizing 5,050 liters of liquid cocaine, equivalent to over 190.9 kilograms. In a more thorough search, they found an aluminum pot with 96.11 kilograms of cocaine base and a green container with over 14.87 kilograms of cocaine base.

Deputy Astorga asserted that these operations should be considered normal, as, in his opinion, "the Chapare is a drug trafficking factory." He praised Minister Del Castillo's action because after almost "three years of inactivity," measures are finally being taken against what seemed to be a complacency towards key players in drug trafficking.

Astorga advocated for these operations not to be the end but the beginning of militarization in the Chapare to unravel connections with big players in drug trafficking. He also pointed out that Evo Morales and Leonardo Loza, both parliamentarians from the region, have much to explain about the alleged promotion of drug production in the Chapare.

In Astorga's opinion, the tambaqui production appears to be a smokescreen, suggesting that, in reality, illicit activities are being laundered. Therefore, he considers it imperative to open an investigation against Evo Morales and conduct a thorough search at his residence to rule out possible connections to money laundering or knowledge of ties to major figures in drug trafficking.

Evo Strikes Again: Calls on Del Castillo to Lift Bank Secrecy and Labels Torrico as 'Adenista

 Former president and leader of the MAS, Evo Morales, suggested that it would be important for the Minister of Government, Eduardo del Castillo, to lift his bank secrecy to clarify the origin of the funds that allegedly allowed him to purchase a house in Argentina. This accusation is part of a new episode of Morales's constant attacks on President Luis Arce's collaborators.

The criticism arose following the report presented by Minister Del Castillo last week regarding an operation in Villa Tunari, where police forces discovered pools of tambaqui fish breeding amidst facilities dedicated to cocaine manufacturing.

Morales claimed that the government's insinuations align with those of the "right." "It would be important for Del Castillo to lift his bank secrecy. Sooner or later, his white sticks will tell the truth about where Eduardo del Castillo's family owns a house in Argentina," he commented on his Sunday program.

Accusing Torrico

Adding to his list of political adversaries, Morales included the Deputy Minister of Government Coordination, Gustavo Torrico, whom he accused of having been affiliated with the Nationalist Democratic Action (ADN) of the late president Hugo Banzer Suárez. Torrico was one of the main agitators and political defenders during Evo Morales's nearly 17 years in government.

However, following Torrico's recent warning that the MAS could lose its legal status due to Morales's obstinacy, he is now labeled as an "adenista." Morales recalled that Oscar Olivera, the former water leader in Cochabamba, introduced him to Gustavo Torrico, and later informed him about Torrico's connection with the ADN.

"Sometimes you have to purify people who come from other parties; unfortunately, they infiltrate. They are opportunists and calculators. 'Adenista,' 'adenista.' I got along with him as a soldier, I admit it, but then he completely changed and coincided with the right," Morales stated regarding Gustavo Torrico.

New Criticisms Against Arce

During his Sunday program, Morales also referred to President Luis Arce, whom he labeled as "neoliberal" due to his ties since the last government of Víctor Paz Estenssoro, leader of the MNR. Morales believes that Arce is an "emenerista" who has worked at the Central Bank of Bolivia during all the governments preceding the MAS.

He recalled that when he took office in 2006, he didn't know how to form his cabinet and turned to Carlos Villegas for having led the economic team during the campaign. In those circumstances, he also consulted Vice President Álvaro García Linera, who mentioned a young economist who had worked with Villegas, confirming that Luis Arce came from the Socialist Party.

"That's how (Luis Arce enters the cabinet), and there I made a mistake. I should have done follow-up and known where this guy comes from and who he is. I didn't do it, I apologize to the Bolivian people, and it was only during the coup and the elections that I found out that Lucho comes from the MNR and worked as the head of the cash registers at the Central Bank of Bolivia. He has a 100% neoliberal background, which is reflected in his contraction policies, and that's why he didn't want to grant the Juancito Pinto bonus," he affirmed.

In his usual style of attributing certain comments to others, Morales backed his coca grower base, who, according to the MAS leader, view the government of Luis Arce as a "traitor government to the dictatorship" due to the intervention carried out on Saturday morning at the headquarters of the Unique Federation of Peasant Workers that declared itself in resistance in the city of Santa Cruz.

It's an insult to democracy": TSE Member presents bill to eliminate primaries

 Tahuichi Tahuichi, a member of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), has introduced a bill to amend Law 1096 on Political Organizations and eliminate primary elections as currently conceived.

Tahuichi argued that primary elections are a costly and senseless expense for the state, resources that could be used for significant projects.

"The holding of primary elections is an aberration, it's an insult to democracy. It's an insult to the intelligence of Bolivians. It is important, it is imperative, that we can work as Bolivian men and women, as political actors, academics (...). In other words, this project seeks to annul primary elections. It makes no sense to go to primary elections with only one candidate; it makes no sense because we are only going to legitimize. We are not going to choose, to compete," stated the TSE member.

The electoral authority specified that his project aims to modify Article 29 of Law 1096 concerning primary elections. Additionally, he highlighted that in the 2019 primary elections, 29 million bolivianos were spent with no valuable results for the internal democracy exercise of the parties.

According to TSE activities, it is planned to launch the call for primary elections in August or September this year, with party members choosing their presidential candidates in December.

Director of Hydrocarbons in Tarija: YPFB lacks funds for investment and is on the brink of bankruptcy

 Freddy Castrillo, the Director of Hydrocarbons for the Tarija Department, stated that Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) does not have the resources to invest in exploration and is on the verge of bankruptcy.

"YPFB is a company that is totally, I won't say bankrupt, but is on the edge of reaching that situation because it lacks the resources to invest, especially in exploration, and to reverse the current situation," Castrillo affirmed.

At the end of August, the President of the State, Luis Arce, stated that the production of natural gas had "hit rock bottom" since 2014, resulting in a lower income from the sale of the fuel.

Last week, the acting director of the Central Bank of Bolivia, Edwin Rojas, admitted that the Net International Reserves had fallen to their lowest level in decades, and one of the factors is the decline in income from the export and sale of gas.

According to the Director of Hydrocarbons for the Tarija Department, to reverse the situation, it is necessary to attract foreign investments, but before that, it is essential to adjust the regulatory framework to make investing in Bolivia appealing.