Indigenous Bolivians reject socialism: Never again
El Alto’s Neo‑Andean “Cholets”
In Bolivia’s landlocked highlands, the city of El Alto has become a skyline of ultra‑flamboyant “cholets” – a playful blend of chalet and chola (Indigenous woman). The buildings were erected over the past two decades by the emerging Aymara bourgeoisie, marking a shift from the urban mosaics of red–brick homes to futuristic 12‑story palaces.
The “Titanic” Palace
- Victor Choque Flores, a 46‑year‑old self‑made entrepreneur, poured millions into the city’s tallest structure, which he calls a “ship in a sea of bricks.”
- He described the palace as “a blend of the past and the future.” Aymara citizens now look toward progress, yet many feel the socialist era has failed to address the country’s deep economic crisis.
Political Change in El Alto
El Alto, once a stronghold of Evo Morales’ left‑wing agenda, is now moving toward a right‑leaning future. The city’s million‑person electorate is rallying for fuel and dollar relief in the next 100 days, as championed by right‑wing candidate Samuel Doria Medina.
Campaign Highlights
- Local media early in the campaign highlighted promises to restore stability and rebuild fuel supplies.
- People across the city—from chefs to farmers—showed support for prosperity and beyond the nationalist agenda of the former left.
Indigenous Concerns & Counter‑Narratives
Some Indigenous voices accuse former leaders of misusing the struggle for power: “He has always called for unrest and for strikes and blockades, but the reason was never about the cause but local politics,” said a traditional leader in his own Aymara language.
Conclusion
The transformation of El Alto from a symbol of Indigenous resistance to a city of modern, bold architecture reflects a broad societal shift. As the next presidential election approaches, the city stands at a crossroads between its past and its future, inviting voters to decide how far forward to go.
