Coup attempt feared in Bolivia as troops surround Presidential Palace

Bolivian President Luis Arce has called for the respect of democracy following alarming actions by the Bolivian Army. Soldiers and tanks were seen deployed outside government buildings, with one tank attempting to break down a door of the presidential palace. President Arce took to social media platform X to denounce the irregular mobilizations and emphasize the need for democracy to be upheld. It remains unclear if Arce was inside the presidential office during the incident.

Allegations of a coup attempt

Former president Evo Morales warned of a brewing coup d'état orchestrated by army chief General Juan Jose Zuniga. Morales, who has faced significant political turmoil since his controversial attempt to secure a fourth term in 2019, called for national mobilization to defend democracy. Rumors had been circulating that Zuniga was on the verge of being dismissed, further heightening tensions.

ALSO READ: Russia to resume direct passenger trains to North Korea in July, signaling renewed transport links

General Zuniga was reported to have briefly entered the presidential palace before leaving on foot. The general had previously threatened to arrest Morales if he attempted to run for office again in 2025, despite being disqualified. The Organization of American States (OAS) has also condemned the troop movements, stating that any breach of the constitutional order would not be tolerated.

Background of political turmoil

The current situation is rooted in Bolivia's recent political history. Evo Morales, the country’s first Indigenous president, was forced to resign and flee in 2019 amid protests and allegations of election fraud. He returned after his ally, Luis Arce, won the presidency in 2020. Morales remains a polarizing figure, with supporters staging protests and road blockades earlier this year against his disqualification from future elections.

As Bolivia faces this new wave of political instability, the international community is watching closely, urging for the preservation of democratic processes and constitutional order.

ALSO READ: Punjab Province in Pakistan approves historic Sikh Marriage Act