Black hand in the electoral register?

The recent Population and Housing Census in Bolivia, which revealed a population of 11,312,620, highlights a crucial issue: the integrity of the electoral register. Compared to the data from the previous census in 2001 and 2012, which recorded populations of 8,274,325 and 10,027,254 respectively, the increase in the number of registered voters has been remarkably high. This discrepancy raises legitimate concerns about the possible existence of manipulations in the register, a situation that compromises the legitimacy of our democratic system.

The Political Constitution of the State (CPE) establishes that political representation must correspond proportionally to the population. The census, being an essential tool to measure this proportion, should be closely aligned with the electoral register. However, an excessive increase in the number of voters compared to the actual population growth raises doubts about the accuracy and reliability of this register. Public confidence in the electoral system depends on the accuracy of this register, and any suspicion of manipulation undermines political stability and social cohesion.

The audit of the electoral register must be a priority to ensure its integrity. It is essential that this review be carried out by impartial entities, with the participation of both national and international observers, to ensure that the process is transparent and credible. The audit must detect and correct irregularities, confirming that each record in the register corresponds to a legitimate voter.

Furthermore, Bolivia’s geographic and cultural diversity adds complexity to the challenge. Differences in voting behavior across regions, if not supported by clear demographic data, could signal manipulation. The audit must therefore take these variations into account to ensure that the electoral roll accurately reflects the country’s demographic reality.

In conclusion, the integrity of the electoral roll is fundamental to the health of our democracy. A thorough audit is essential to verify that the voter register is accurate and reliable, thereby protecting the legitimacy of institutions and the trust of citizens in the democratic process. Democracy must be based on truth and transparency; it is our responsibility to ensure that these principles remain intact.