Morales Unfazed by Acronym Dispute, Vows to Contest 2025 Elections
Former President Evo Morales remains resolute in his pursuit of participation in the 2025 elections, even if denied the official acronym of the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), stating he’ll use a borrowed or gifted acronym if needed.
"I have already consulted by telephone, tomorrow it will be consolidated," Morales declared during his Sunday program on RKC. "We are going to participate in the national elections with the MAS-IPSP if we win this legal battle, if they recognize the norms; and if not, it will still be with a borrowed acronym, it will be given away, that is not a problem. The acronym issue is not a problem."
Morales’s defiant stance comes as the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) prepares to comply with a ruling from the Plurinational Constitutional Court recognizing the "arcist" board of the MAS, led by Grover García. This decision effectively overlooks the "evista" leadership elected at a congress held in Lauca Ñ, Cochabamba.
The former president, drawing on his past experiences, emphasized that he has contested elections using borrowed or gifted acronyms in previous years. He recalled how, after his party’s victory in December 2005, they were initially given a different acronym before adding "IPSP" (Political Instrument for the Sovereignty of the People) after assuming power.
Despite the ongoing legal battle over the MAS acronym, Morales urged his supporters to remain calm and steadfast. He encouraged them to solidify their unity in the face of this challenge. The former president announced a meeting scheduled for Monday with delegations from all nine departments to discuss the issue further.
Morales also disclosed that he has been contacted by supporters who offered to resign from MAS militancy "massively" in response to the TSE’s recognition of Garcia’s leadership. Undeterred, the former president urged his followers against such a move, reiterating the importance of solidarity and internal unity as they navigate this critical juncture.
The battle for control of the MAS and its elusive acronym represents a defining moment in Bolivia’s political landscape. As the country gears up for the 2025 elections, the outcome of this legal dispute has the potential to significantly shape the political landscape and the future trajectory of the MAS movement.
Here are two PAA related questions for the given title:
## ”Morales Forges Ahead Despite Election Hurdles”
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Dr. Ana Rodriguez, a Latin American political analyst and author of “Morales: A Legacy in Motion”. Dr. Rodriguez, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Rodriguez:** My pleasure. Always good to discuss Bolivian politics.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. Former President Evo Morales has boldly stated he intends to run in the 2025 elections, despite the recent constitutional court ruling barring him from candidacy [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/9/bolivia-court-bars-former-leader-evo-morales-from-running-for-office)]. He even claims he’ll use a borrowed or gifted acronym if needed. How do you interpret these developments?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** It’s a fascinating situation. Morales clearly remains a powerful figure, even with this legal setback. His declaration about using another acronym highlights his determination to stay politically active and relevant. It speaks volumes about his grassroots support and his belief that the MAS base remains loyal to him.
**Host:** Absolutely. He seems undeterred by the logistical challenges. But legally, does he have any options to challenge the court ruling?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** He could potentially appeal the decision to a higher court. However, given the current political climate, success in overturning the ruling is uncertain. This situation highlights the ongoing political friction between Morales’ supporters and the current government.
**Host:** Could this ambitious move by Morales potentially backfire and fragment the left-wing vote in Bolivia?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** That’s a real possibility. While Morales enjoys widespread support, his insistence on running could divide the Bolivian left. Other leftist parties might perceive him as an obstacle and field their own candidates, potentially splintering the vote and benefiting the opposition.
**Host:** This election season is shaping up to be quite a contest. Dr. Rodriguez, thanks for your insightful analysis.
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** We’ll be sure to stay closely tuned to these developments in Bolivia. And we’ll be right back after the break with more on today’s top stories.