TSE clarifies voting procedures for Bolivia's second round of elections

As Bolivia heads into the crucial second round of gubernatorial elections this Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has taken proactive steps to ensure a smooth and transparent voting process. TSE President Gustavo Ávila has been instrumental in clarifying the procedures, particularly focusing on how citizens should correctly mark their ballots to avoid invalidating their vote.

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Each political party has a strip. We (the TSE) put this little square because we ask that the vote be within the little square: with a visible sign, it can be a cross, a sign is fine. It's also valid if the vote is in the candidate's strip.

Ávila emphasized that voters must place their mark within the designated strip for their chosen candidate. This clarification is vital, especially given the potential for confusion in any electoral process. The TSE's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated by the public nature of the vote count, where citizens and observers can witness the tallying of ballots, reinforcing trust in the electoral outcome.

This second round, involving five departments, is a significant event for Bolivian democracy, allowing citizens to directly elect their regional leaders. The TSE's efforts to educate the public on voting procedures reflect a dedication to upholding the integrity of the electoral system. From a Bolivian perspective, these elections are not just about choosing governors; they are about the exercise of popular sovereignty and the strengthening of regional governance.

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Once the citizen marks their preferred candidate, or leaves it blank, or invalidates it; they will fold it and put their vote in this ballot box. By putting their vote in this ballot box, they have exercised their right.

While international observers might see this as a standard electoral procedure, for Bolivia, it represents a continued commitment to democratic principles. The emphasis on clear guidelines and public scrutiny of the vote count is particularly important in a country where electoral processes have historically been subjects of intense scrutiny. The TSE's clear communication aims to empower voters and ensure that every legitimate vote contributes to the final result, underscoring the importance of citizen participation in shaping the nation's future.

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The scrutiny is totally public... the president reads the vote and the secretary writes it down.