THE POLITICAL RIGHT TO VOTE AND ITSCONSTITUTIONAL RESTRICTION: A STUDY OF THEIMPACT OF SPC NO. 0770/2024-S4 ON BOLIVIANDEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATION

Abstract

The right to vote is a fundamental pillar of Bolivian democracy, enshrined in the Political Constitution of the State as an essential and universal political right. However, in Bolivia’s recent history, this right has faced tensions and restrictions via constitutional means, both in the extension of re-election rights and the suspension of electoral processes. This article critically analyzes the impact of Plurinational Constitutional Ruling No. 0770/2024-S4, issued by Bolivia’s Plurinational Constitutional Court in November 2024, which declared void parts of that year’s judicial elections. Through a jurisprudential and doctrinal review, we examine how this decision – taken to uphold constitutional principles like meritocracy, equality, and legality in candidate selection – led to a temporary restriction of citizens’ voting exercise in several regions of Bolivia, affecting democratic representation. The findings reveal a delicate balance between defending constitutional order and fully realizing citizens’ political rights. The discussion addresses the implications of the “judicialization” of electoral processes, the precedent of indefinite re-election, and concerns about legitimacy and the rule of law raised by national and international actors. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are offered to strengthen the protection of suffrage and improve legal mechanisms to prevent constitutional remedies for electoral issues from undermining democratic trust.