Democracy & Elections Archives - Americas Quarterly

AQ Podcast | Bolivia’s Game-Changing Election

After years of MAS rule, Bolivia looks set for major change. In today’s episode, a look at the two candidates in the October runoff election.

José Antonio Kast speaks during the July 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Camboriu, Brazil. Chile’s Right Is Gaining Momentum: Polls show conservative candidate José Antonio Kast leading in the November 16 presidential election.

Chile’s Right Is Gaining Momentum

Polls show conservative candidate José Antonio Kast leading in the November 16 presidential election.

LA PAZ, BOLIVIA - AUGUST 17: An electoral jury shows a ballot in the vote count at the Hugo Davila School on August 17, 2025 in La Paz, Bolivia. Bolivians head to polls amid a social and economic crisis. Projections reveal that a runoff could be possible for the first time since the constitution was introduced in 2009. Opposition candidates Samuel Doria Medina of Alianza Unidad and Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga of Alianza Libre lead the surveys ahead of the election.

REACTION: Bolivia’s Runoff: A Surprise Candidate Faces a Conservative

In a rebuke of the ruling MAS party, centrist Rodrigo Paz and right-wing former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga will face off on October 19.

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali (left) and legislator Aubrey Norton

Guyana: Meet the Candidates 2025

President Irfaan Ali is favored to win reelection in the September 1 general elections.

AQ Podcast | Resilience Amid Chaos: An Overview of LatAm Economies in 2025

The chief economist for the region at Citigroup on what is shaping Latin America’s economic outlook

An image of President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador is raised during a national address on June 1 in San Salvador. Can liberal democracy adapt before it unravels? The global embrace of illiberal democrats reveals not just widespread disillusionment, but elite failure.

Can Liberal Democracy Adapt Before It Unravels?

The global embrace of illiberal democrats reveals not just widespread disillusionment, but elite failure.

U.S. Threat to Leave the OAS Is a Win for Adversaries

Abandoning the OAS would weaken U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere and create opportunities for China and others, an expert writes.

AQ Podcast | Brazil vs USA: Risks and Possible Ways Out

The motivations, tactics and possible paths forward in the confrontation between the two biggest countries in the Americas.

Rodrigo Paz Pereira and Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga

Bolivia: Meet the Candidates 2025

Voters will choose between a centrist and a conservative former president in the October 19 runoff.

Demonstrators during a drivers' union protest against fuel shortages in La Paz in June.June 4, 2025. Bolivia Enters a Contentious New Political Landscape: The end of MAS hegemony signals the beginning of a new chapter of divided power and greater instability.

Bolivia Enters a Contentious New Political Landscape

The end of MAS hegemony signals the beginning of a new chapter of divided power and greater instability.

Q&A: Vicky Murillo on Latin America’s 2025 Election Cycle

A political science professor explains how voters are shopping around this year.

The Former Journalist Seeking Colombia’s Presidency

Vicky Dávila is a rising conservative
candidate in the 2026 presidential race.

AQ Podcast | Colombia Enters a Turbulent Election Season

What to expect as the 2026 elections approach amid increasing violence and a strained relationship with the U.S.

Communist Party presidential candidate Jeannette Jara speaks at a rally in Santiago, Chile on June 29.

Chile’s Left-Wing Primary Surprise

Communist Party candidate Jeannette Jara’s landslide victory is a blow to the traditional Chilean center-left and signals a more polarized general election.

Interview about the new wave of leftist leaders in Latin America

AQ Podcast | BRICS and China’s Influence in Latin America

What to expect from the summit in Brazil at a time of U.S.-China competition