Former Bolivian president Evo Morales, barred from running in Sunday’s election, is calling on voters to spoil their ballots as a show of protest.
His campaign promotes “Nulo” — a null vote — by urging supporters to mark or deface their papers rather than choose any candidate.
Voting is mandatory in Bolivia, and spoiled ballots are excluded from the final tally. While this cannot force a new election, Morales hopes a large null vote will cast doubt on the winners and keep his influence alive.
His push comes amid tension with President Luis Arce, a former ally, and declining support for the ruling Movement Toward Socialism.
Right-wing candidates Jorge Quiroga and Samuel Doria Medina lead the race but face public disinterest.
Many disillusioned citizens, including some who once opposed Morales, say they prefer to back no one.
The country is in its worst economic crisis in decades, with high prices, fuel shortages, and restricted access to dollars.
Analysts note Morales may see a conservative victory as a chance to return to the political spotlight, positioning himself once more as a challenger to pro-market policies.
For now, he remains in his Chapare stronghold, avoiding arrest over legal cases he denies, while supporters spread his null vote message in cities and rural areas alike.