Bolivia is heading to its first presidential run-off after nearly 20 years of leftist governance. Voters are now set to choose between a centrist and a conservative candidate.

La Paz

Bolivia is preparing for its first-ever presidential runoff after years of socialist rule, economic turmoil, and fuel shortages. The two leading candidates are Rodrigo Paz, a centrist from the Christian Democratic Party, and Jorge Tuto Quiroga, a conservative and former vice president. Paz has gained support with promises to maintain social programs while boosting private sector growth, aided by his popular running mate Edman Lara. Quiroga, running for the fourth time, pledges to restore economic order and strengthen ties with Washington.

Both candidates face the immediate challenge of stabilizing the economy and addressing shortages, with economists warning that some campaign promises may be unrealistic. The next president will need to implement difficult reforms, including potentially ending fuel subsidies, in a country where major political changes have often led to unrest.

Bolivian voters to choose between centrist and conservative

After two decades of socialist rule, recurring unrest and fuel shortages caused by a spiralling currency crisis, Bolivians are waiting to choose who can pull the country out of what many here call an economic mess. The situation is very difficult. For Bolivians, this has been the hardest year in a long time. What's clear is that whoever wins the country's first ever presidential runoff will steer Bolivia to the right. The surprise frontrunner is Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party, a centrist who surged from behind to capture 32% of the first-round vote. His moderate message resonated with voters disillusioned by the ruling movement towards socialism en masse. He pledges to maintain social programs for the poor while encouraging private sector growth. From day one, we will have fuel, we will have tax incentives, all social benefits will be respected. There is no doubt here, there is no risk regarding bonuses. Let's say it very clearly. A key boost came from his running mate, Edman Lara, a populist former police officer turned social media firebrand who built his popularity by denouncing corruption online. Facing him is Jorge Tuto Quiroga, a conservative who once served as vice president under Hugo Banzer, a former military dictator. Running for the fourth time, he promises to rebuild ties with Washington, restore economic order and promises radical change. There's a mistake in the premise analysts are using, that curing the patient would be painful. No, letting the patient continue as he is, on its way to the grave, is what's truly painful. The next president's first challenge will be to attract dollars and enough fuel to end the shortages. A long-term Bolivia will need painful reforms, including ending the fuel subsidies that have sparked violent protests in the past. The political grandstanding of both candidates could backfire. One promises a nearly 300 US dollar pension for retirees from nowhere, while the other says everything will be fine by Christmas. Those kinds of promises are dangerous because economists agree it won't happen any time soon. It won't be easy and it will be painful. Whoever wins on Sunday will face the same daunting task, revive a broken economy in a country where major shifts have often ended in conflict. Alessandro Ampietti, Al Jazeera, La Paz, Bolivia.

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