Bolivia’s progressive forces are pinning their hopes on a crucial meeting scheduled for today to discuss left-wing unity ahead of August’s general elections.

On the 20th of this month, President Luis Arce affirmed that leftist unity for the August 17 elections remains possible, citing «countless» shared principles among these forces. In a statement titled «Before It’s Too Late: Unity Now or Defeat Tomorrow,» the head of state outlined these unifying elements.

Arce emphasised that all national-popular candidates share roots in the Movement Toward Socialism-Political Instrument for the Sovereignty of Peoples (MAS-IPSP) and represent generations forged during the Process of Change (2005-2025). He described each as simultaneously embodying both the renewal and continuity of this emancipatory project, led by MAS-IPSP, over the past two decades.

The President challenged what he called the false dichotomy between renewal and continuity, stating that it constitutes a political error contrary to dialectical thinking. He identified additional unifying factors, including a significant percentage of voters unwilling to support right-wing parties they associate with potential plunder of national resources, increased social inequality, job insecurity, halted municipal projects, and threats to national sovereignty.

Arce noted current polls show no national-popular candidate likely to reach a runoff alone, making broad alliances essential. The strategic goal, he stressed, must be preventing right-wing forces from dismantling «the social achievements, political rights, and sovereignty advances built over these 20 years.»

He concluded by highlighting their shared stance as «anti-imperialist, anti-neoliberal, anti-colonial, anti-capitalist and anti-patriarchal,» a fundamental unifying platform.