Bolivia is set to hold a presidential election on Sunday, with almost 8 million citizens expected to vote.
Leading the race are opposition conservative contenders Samuel Doria Medina, a business magnate, and Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, a former president.
Ballot stations opened at 8 a.m. local time (1200 GMT) and will close at 4 p.m., with initial results expected after 9 p.m. Full official results are due within seven days. Voters will also elect all 26 senators and 130 deputies, and officials assume office on November 8.
Polls point to a close race that may not produce a first-round winner. A runoff — which would be unprecedented in Bolivia — is set for Oct. 19 if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote, or at least 40% with a 10-point margin over the runner-up.
