Bolivia's 2026 Governor Races: A New Era of Regional Competition

Recent political campaigning in Bolivia, capturing the energy leading into subnational races.

Bolivia is gearing up for a pivotal moment in its political landscape with the upcoming subnational elections on March 22, 2026. These elections will determine the governors of the country's nine departments, along with departmental assemblies, mayors, and other local positions. Coming just months after the historic 2025 general election that ended two decades of dominance by the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS-IPSP), the 2026 races promise to be highly competitive and fragmented.

Background: A Shift in National PowerThe 2025 presidential election marked a dramatic turning point. In August 2025, no candidate won outright in the first round, leading to Bolivia's first-ever presidential runoff in October. Centrist Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) defeated conservative Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga of Libre with 55% of the vote. The ruling MAS-IPSP, plagued by internal divisions between factions loyal to former President Evo Morales and outgoing President Luis Arce, suffered a catastrophic collapse —    its candidate garnered only around 3-4% nationally, and the party lost nearly all its seats in Congress.
This national upheaval has cascaded down to the regional level. For years, MAS controlled most governorships, leveraging its strong base in the western highlands. Now, with MAS weakened and splintered, opposition forces—ranging from centrists to right-wing groups—are poised to challenge or consolidate power in key departments.The Electoral ProcessThe Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) formally called the elections in November 2025, setting the vote for March 22, 2026. A record-breaking 34,618 candidates registered across all positions, including 112 aspirants for the nine governorships, an average of over 12 per department. This reflects unprecedented fragmentation, with 184 political organizations participating.
Governors are elected directly: a candidate needs over 50% of valid votes or at least 40% with a 10-point lead over the runner-up to win outright. Otherwise, a second-round runoff could occur, potentially extending the process into April. Some departments (Santa Cruz, Tarija, Pando) also elect vice governors, while Beni selects sub-governors.
Mandatory debates for gubernatorial and mayoral candidates have been introduced to promote transparency, and the TSE has prepared over 500 different ballot formats to accommodate the complexity.Key Issues at StakeThe races will hinge on several pressing concerns:

• Economic Recovery: Bolivia continues to grapple with dollar shortages, high inflation, fuel scarcity, and declining natural gas exports. New President Paz's administration is pursuing private-sector reforms and international loans, but regional leaders will play a crucial role in implementing (or resisting) these changes.
• Regional Autonomy vs. Central Control: Departments like Santa Cruz—the economic powerhouse—have long pushed for greater autonomy. Right-wing forces there may seek to expand influence post-MAS decline.
• MAS Fragmentation: Splits within the former ruling party could dilute its vote, allowing opposition alliances to gain ground in traditional strongholds like La Paz, Cochabamba, and Potosí.
• Environmental and Resource Management: Issues like lithium extraction, illegal mining, and agricultural expansion will feature prominently, especially in resource-rich areas.

Notable candidates mentioned in pre-election reporting include figures backed by alliances like Alianza Libre and smaller parties, such as Sergio Rodríguez in Cochabamba and Juan Flores in other races. However, with registrations closed in late December 2025, the full slate is now set, featuring a mix of ex-officials, newcomers, and regional heavyweights.

Departments on the Watch:

• Santa Cruz: Bolivia's wealthiest department, traditionally opposition-leaning. Expect fierce competition amid calls for autonomy.
• La Paz and Cochabamba: Former MAS bastions where the party's collapse could open doors for centrists or independents.
• Tarija and Potosí: Resource-heavy areas where economic promises will dominate.

The high number of candidates risks vote-splitting, potentially leading to runoffs in multiple departments; a rarity in past subnational elections.

These governor races will test President Paz's ability to work with (or against) regional leaders in a fragmented Congress. A diverse set of governors could either foster cooperative federalism or deepen gridlock. For voters, the elections offer a chance to address local grievances in a post-MAS era, but the sheer number of options may also lead to low turnout or protest votes.