For the first time in nearly two decades, Bolivia is on the precipice of a rightward shift.Voters in the South American nation will go to the polls on August 17 to choose the next president, as well as members of Congress.But schisms within Bolivia’s long-dominant left have opened the door to a possible right-wing victory, with candidates like businessman Samuel Doria Medina and former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga leading the race.Bolivia has been unsettled by political and economic turmoil in recent years, including high inflation and dwindling currency reserves.That, in turn, has fuelled public dissatisfaction with the ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, which has been in power almost continuously since 2006. Candidates like Medina and Quiroga are hoping to capitalise on that disillusionment to oust MAS from the presidency.But tensions in the country remain high, and polls show a close race that may not produce a clear winner in the first round of voting.Who are the figures shaping the race, what issues are top of mind for voters, and how could this election shape Bolivia? We answer those questions and more in this explainer.When is the election?The first round of voting will take place on Sunday, August 17.Will there be a second round of voting?Possibly. To avoid a run-off, the top presidential candidate must …
