Bolivian lawmakers aim to solve judicial election impasse as highway blockades continue

Bolivian lawmakers began talks on Tuesday aimed at unlocking a judicial election process as supporters of former president Evo Morales continue to block major highways across the country in protest at the stalled elections.

The economy has lost over US$500mn since the protests began last week, economy minister Marcelo Montenegro said at a press conference, where he blamed the situation on Morales. “It’s an irreversible damage that will have to be faced in due time by those who carried out the blockades,” he said.  

Morales' camp is demanding the resignation of several judges whose terms expired last year but were extended as the legislature failed to advance in time with a list of pre-candidates for the judicial elections. These include judges from the constitutional court who ruled last month that Morales cannot run in next year’s presidential elections.

A bicameral working group has now been formed with key lawmakers busy trying to come up with a formula to allow the judicial elections to move ahead.

Morales supporters step up pressure

The Morales camp has intensified its mobilizations, with 36 blockades being reported as of Tuesday, up from 25 on Sunday, according to state-owned news agency ABI.

The government has accused some protesters of using dynamite in clashes with police, saying 26 officers have suffered injuries.

Cochabamba is the most affected department, with roads blocked at 23 points. 

In response, the public works ministry has begun sending food and other aid to drivers stuck on the affected highways, as well as offering so-called solidary flights to those in need of urgent mobilization.

So far 201t of aid has been distributed and 8,600 people have used the flights offered by state-run airline BOA, the ministry said in a press release.

The ministry also reported losses of 4.01mn bolivianos (US$478,988) at state-owned highway operator Vías Bolivia for not being able to collect toll tariffs during more than a week. 

Public works minister Édgar Montaño said last week that the ministry and Vías Bolivia were considering criminal charges against those who damage the roads.