From Stronghold, Bolivia’s Former Leader Evo Morales Eyes…

In Lauca Ene, Bolivia, former President Evo Morales prepares a return to power amid ongoing legal challenges and strong community support. Despite a court-imposed ban on third presidential terms, Morales remains confident in his candidacy, and his loyal supporters maintain a vigilant presence, emphasizing their desire to reclaim former prosperity under his leadership.

In the small hamlet of Lauca Ene, located in central Bolivia, nearly 500 Indigenous individuals raise their spears in unison, shouting, “Long live Evo Morales!” This gathering highlights the former president’s stronghold and immense popularity among locals in this coca-producing area, where no one can enter without his consent. Morales, an influential figure since his rise from impoverished coca farmer to Bolivia’s first Indigenous president from 2006 to 2019, is plotting a comeback despite a ban on serving more than two terms in office.

Now at the age of 65, Morales still manages to rally his supporters, wielding an impressive grip on this region of around 260,000 residents. He has taken shelter in Lauca Ene for the past seven months, evading an arrest warrant concerning allegations of trafficking a minor, which he vehemently denies, asserting that these accusations amount to “judicial persecution.”

As Morales aims to secure his fourth presidential term, he faces challenges, including recent legal ups and downs. A judge annulled the arrest warrant against him, but that decision was countered later. The police choose to avoid confrontation with Morales’s supporters, who stand guard with makeshift barricades and handmade weapons. farmer Willy Alvarado proclaimed, “We’ll be here until our brother Evo Morales is in the presidency.”

Throughout the larger area, life seems to continue as usual: clinics and government offices operate normally, with minimal police presence. Lauca Ene, however, remains a different scene, as loyalists continuously patrol to protect their leader. Speaking from his modest office, Morales appeared unfazed by legal restrictions, expressing confidence in his eligibility and hinting at plans to formally register for the upcoming election: “I am legally and constitutionally qualified.”

Morales intends to travel the 300 miles to La Paz on May 16, accompanied by supporters, to assert his candidacy. He warned that any attempts to block his return could lead to unrest among Indigenous groups. Zenobia Taboada echoed this sentiment, stating, “If they touch brother Evo, the people will come out right away.”

Living in Lauca Ene’s three-story building, Morales engages with farmers and politicians daily. His supporters maintain their commitment by managing barricades, returning for patrol shifts regardless of the weather. Coca grower Vicente Choque remarked, “I have arrows, my companions have spears and shields, in case.”

At the entry to Lauca Ene, individuals form a human barrier, allowing only animals to pass. Here, the barricades have become a permanent fixture, with grass sprouting on top. Those like Zenobia Andia travel significant distances to serve shifts at the barricades. They express frustration with President Luis Arce, a former Morales ally, who now faces criticism. “We were on top and we’ve fallen down,” Andia lamented, yearning to reclaim the prosperity experienced under Morales’s leadership.

In summary, Evo Morales remains a formidable figure in Bolivian politics, leveraging unwavering support from his base in Lauca Ene. Despite legal challenges and potential backlash against his return to power, Morales is undeterred as he prepares for the upcoming election. His staunch supporters are ready to defend him, even resisting law enforcement, reflecting the deep-rooted loyalty and complex political dynamics at play in Bolivia. As tensions simmer, the actions taken by election officials and the government will play a significant role in determining the future trajectory of Bolivian politics.

Original Source: www.kten.com