BOLIVIA: Types of Fraud in Finance Exposed

In a shocking revelation, Bolivia’s finance sector has been found to be plagued by various types of fraud, including electoral manipulation and financial irregularities.

Electoral Manipulation and Financial Irregularities in Bolivia

The Organization of American States (OAS) had alleged widespread fraud in the 2019 elections, leading to the ouster of then-President Evo Morales. However, recent revelations have shown that the OAS’ claims were based on flawed statistical analysis and unsubstantiated allegations.

Audit Report by the OAS: Flawed Analysis

According to an audit report by the OAS, 226 tally sheets from 86 voting centers across the country had been doctored. The report claimed that if these votes were removed, Morales’ advantage over his opponent would disappear. However, a subsequent investigation by the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) found no evidence of fraud.

CEPR Investigation: No Evidence of Fraud

The CEPR report showed that the results in these voting centers closely matched those from previous elections. Moreover, it was discovered that the OAS had provided no evidence to back up their allegations of forged tally sheets.

Latest Election Results Discredit OAS’ Claims

The latest election results have further discredited the OAS’ claims. In all but nine of the 86 voting centers where the OAS alleged fraud, the MAS party’s vote share has increased compared to 2019.

Community Voting and Indigenous Communities

The communities targeted by the OAS analysis are predominantly Indigenous, and community voting is a widely recognized phenomenon in Bolivia. The likely explanation for the discrepancies in the tally sheets is that electoral jurors did not print their names on the sheets, but rather had them printed by a notary or other official with clear handwriting.

Results from 2020 Confirm No Abnormality

The results from 2020 further confirm that there was no abnormality in the results of these voting centers in 2019. Moreover, what the OAS identified as irregularities had no discernable impact on the results of the election.

Significance and Lessons Learned

This revelation is significant not only because it exposes the flaws in the OAS’ analysis but also because it highlights the role that international actors played in overthrowing a democratically elected government. The people of Bolivia have shown their courage and power in righting the wrongs of 2019, and it is essential to remember the lessons learned from this experience.

Conclusion

The types of fraud in finance exposed in Bolivia are a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in financial transactions. It is imperative that we learn from our mistakes and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.