Bolivia: Independence Day celebrations in Potosí August 6

Event

Independence Day celebrations will be held in Bolivia on Monday, August 6. The main commemorative event will take place in the city of Potosí. President Evo Morales will address the Legislative Assembly at the Casa de la Moneda to celebrate the country's 194th anniversary. Sociopolitical tensions are on the rise in the city and various civil society groups are planning to hold anti-Morales demonstrations in Potosí during the event, despite warnings from the government. At least two groups will travel to Potosí to take part (from the capital Sucre and La Paz). Increased security measures are to be anticipated and clashes between protesters and security forces are possible. Localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated.

Context

In November 2017, the Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional Plurinacional; TCP) cleared the way for incumbent President Morales to run for a fourth consecutive term in elections scheduled for 2019, and thus potentially remain in office until 2025. The ruling annulled the "no" results of a constitutional referendum held in February 2016 in a bid to remove presidential term limits. Morales - who has been in power since 2006 - had claimed the referendum failed due to an illegal smear campaign. The opposition immediately denounced the ruling and launched a series of disruptive protests, which included roadblocks on highways, at international border crossings, and at major city intersections.

Advice

Individuals in Potosí, and Bolivia more generally, are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all protests as a precaution.