LA PAZ (PL) – The congressional decision setting general elections for December was the starting signal in Bolivia for a tight race, given that candidates immediately began their election campaigns.

Potential or declared candidates began to speak to the press in a proselytizing tone or announced preparatory measures for their campaign, at the same time as the formation of a new political grouping was announced.

Evo Morales, leader of the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS), announced that his party would have a national meeting in upcoming days to define its electoral strategy and policy on alliances.

He indicated that talks regarding a progressive front continue with the Movement Without Fear (MSM) led by La Paz Mayor Juan del Granado, although the priority for MAS is pacts with the grassroots organizations.

Morales emphasized that the MAS is prepared to compete in any of the approved elections – general ones in December and for a constitutional assembly and a referendum on autonomy in July of 2006.

According to experts, the MAS campaign will have to overcome a ferocious right-wing campaign attempting to blame the organization and its leader for the recent social conflicts that resulted in President Carlos Mesa’s resignation.

In the right-wing camp, Hormando Vaca Diez, the controversial Senate president, promised to fight against poverty and for harmony in a radio interview interpreted as a virtual launching of his campaign by the social democratic Movement of the Revolutionary Left.