What does the State of Exception mean in Bolivia? | ¿Qué significa el estado de excepción en Bolivia?

By El Deber:

What can and cannot be done?

¿Qué significa el estado de excepción en Bolivia? ¿qué se puede hacer y qué no?

This Saturday, June 20, President Rodrigo Paz declared a State of Exception throughout the country. The measure comes after 51 days of social unrest and 46 days of road blockades.

¿Qué significa el estado de excepción en Bolivia? ¿qué se puede hacer y qué no?

At 1:30 a.m. this Saturday, the Government declared a State of Exception across the entire national territory in order to restore free movement, guarantee the supply of essential goods, and put an end to the blockades affecting different regions of the country.

The Executive Branch clarified that the measure does not imply the suspension of daily activities or the suspension of fundamental rights. However, it expressly prohibits road blockades.

“The measure prohibits the blocking of streets, avenues, roads, and highways that affect the movement of people and the supply of essential goods,” states one of the explanations released by the Government.

Prohibitions

  • All types of blockades on highways and transportation routes throughout the country are prohibited.
  • Carrying weapons, explosives, caltrops (“miguelitos”), flammable substances, and fuel in unauthorized containers during demonstrations or gatherings is prohibited.
  • In areas where acts of violence occur, temporary restrictions may be imposed on the sale of alcoholic beverages.
  • In cases where there are risks to the transportation of people or valuables, temporary adjustments may be implemented in certain services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can people move around freely?

Yes. People may travel and carry out their activities normally, except in specific areas where temporary restrictions are in place.

Can people work and attend school?

Yes. Labor, educational, and economic activities will continue as normal.

Will there be a dry law (ban on alcohol sales)?

No. The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will only be temporarily restricted in places where there are clashes, blockades, or serious acts of violence.

Will there be a curfew?

Only in restricted areas designated by the Ministry of Defense or the Government. Outside those areas, freedom of movement and assembly remain permitted.

Can people access food, fuel, and medicines?

Yes. Ensuring access to these products is one of the main objectives of the measure.

Is freedom of expression restricted?

No. The right to information, freedom of expression, and constitutional guarantees remain in force.

Will banks close?

No. Financial services will continue operating normally, except for temporary adjustments in high-risk areas.

Will the Armed Forces replace the Police?

No. The Armed Forces will provide temporary and coordinated support to the Police in clearing blocked roads and protecting essential services.

Will road blockades on national highways be allowed?

No. The State of Exception prohibits blockades on streets, avenues, roads, and highways throughout the country.

Must businesses and commercial establishments close?

No. Formal and informal businesses, markets, and points of sale may continue operating normally.

When does the State of Exception end?

The measure may remain in effect for a maximum period of 90 days. However, it may be lifted earlier if the blockades, acts of violence, or threats that prompted its implementation cease.in embargo, podrá levantarse antes si cesan los bloqueos, los hechos de violencia o las amenazas que motivaron su aplicación.

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