TSE Clarifies: Foreign Residents Cannot Vote in Second Round Elections

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has issued a crucial clarification regarding the participation of foreign residents in the upcoming electoral process. President Gustavo Ávila has firmly stated that individuals who are not Bolivian citizens, even if they are legal residents, will not be permitted to vote in the second round of elections scheduled for this Sunday. This decision reaffirms that their suffrage is exclusively limited to municipal elections.

This clarification is particularly relevant for departments like Santa Cruz, Beni, Tarija, Oruro, and Chuquisaca, where many foreign nationals reside. The TSE's stance is clear: the right to vote in departmental elections, which will determine the new governors, does not extend to non-citizens. This distinction is important to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that only those with full citizenship rights participate in these higher-level elections.

The municipal elections, where foreign residents could previously cast their votes, were held on March 22. The upcoming April 19 election is for a different level of governance, hence the stricter eligibility criteria. The TSE's timely announcement aims to prevent any confusion or potential disputes on election day, ensuring a smooth and lawful electoral procedure.

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No, they do not vote. Foreign citizens only vote for the municipal election.