The Bolivian Congress is continuing its session around the clock to elect a new president for the poorest country in South America. The final vote is expected to be determined today. The Bolivian legislature is set to choose between Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada, the millionaire former president of Bolivia who is expected to win by a large margin, and Evo Morales, the leader of the Aymara indigenous people. Neither candidate secured a majority of votes in the first round of voting in June. Sánchez de Lozada, an American-educated individual, served as president of Bolivia from 1993 to 1997. He has promised to create thousands of new jobs in the country and to support the United States' program to eradicate coca cultivation, from which cocaine is derived. Meanwhile, Mr. Morales is known for previously leading strikes in support of coca farms and has stated that if he is not elected president, he will lead a powerful opposition group.
Election of a New President of Bolivia - 2002-08-04
The Bolivian Congress is voting to elect a new president, with Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada and Evo Morales as the main candidates. The outcome is significant as it will determine the future of coca cultivation policies in Bolivia, impacting both local economies and international relations.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Bolivian Congress is voting to elect a new president, with Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada and Evo Morales as the leading candidates. The election is critical as it will shape Bolivia's policies on coca cultivation and economic development.
- Neither candidate secured a majority in the first round of voting in June.
- Sánchez de Lozada has previously served as president from 1993 to 1997 and is expected to win.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Bolivia has a significant indigenous population, and coca cultivation is a contentious issue tied to both economic livelihoods and international drug policies.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%