CEAE Strengthens Institutional Coordination with the New Plenary Chamber of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal Ahead of the 2026 Subnational Elections

La Paz, Bolivia – February 19, 2026

The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES/CEAE), within the framework of the PRO-ELECCIÓN Bolivia project, held a working meeting with the members elected by the Plurinational Legislative Assembly for the 2025–2031 term of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).

The meeting was chaired by Gustavo Ávila, a member appointed by the President of the Plurinational State and elected President of the Plenary Chamber at its first session. Representing CEAE were Luis Castellar, Coordinator of the PRO-ELECCIÓN Bolivia Project, and Carolina Floru, Senior Expert in Electoral Observation and Civil Society.

During the meeting, CEAE delivered an institutional presentation on its mandate and global experience in democratic strengthening and electoral assistance, highlighting the work carried out in Bolivia during the first and second rounds of the 2025 national elections. The priority agenda for both the TSE and the PRO-ELECCIÓN Bolivia project was also shared, with particular emphasis on the context of the subnational elections scheduled for March 2026.

President Ávila expressed his appreciation for and recognition of CEAE’s technical contribution during the national electoral process, underscoring its support not only to the Plurinational Electoral Body (OEP) but also to key strategic partners such as the Office of the Ombudsman and the citizen initiative Observa Bolivia.

Vice President Ximena Camacho, in turn, highlighted CEAE’s support in promoting and defending the political rights of women candidates, elected officials, and officeholders, emphasizing the challenges they face in contexts marked by political violence. In this regard, she valued the joint work with the OEP for the prompt implementation of a Diploma Program on Political Violence, aimed at strengthening institutional capacities and preventing violence against women in politics.

Member Carlos Ortiz referred to the structural challenges facing Bolivian democracy, pointing to the need to strengthen the political party system and internal party democracy. Likewise, Members Celedornia Cruz and Ramiro Canedo, elected under the Indigenous quota, reflected on the challenges of consolidating an intercultural democracy that ensures the full inclusion and representation of Indigenous peoples within the political system.

The PRO-ELECCIÓN Bolivia project is implemented with financial support from the European Union and the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (FPI), reaffirming CEAE’s commitment to institutional strengthening, political inclusion, and electoral integrity in the country.

This meeting marks an important step in inter-institutional coordination ahead of the upcoming subnational electoral cycle, consolidating a joint agenda aimed at promoting transparent, inclusive, and peaceful electoral processes in Bolivia.