2013 Beni special gubernatorial election
2013 Beni special gubernatorial election
The 2013 Beni special gubernatorial election was held on January 20, 2013 to choose a governor for Beni Department, replacing the interim governor and serving until 2015. It was seen as a major test of political strength in eastern Bolivia: a MAS-IPSP victory could limit the regional influence of the Media Luna alliance, while a victory for Beni First would signal MAS’s ambitions in the region.
Background
Before the vote, Beni had an interim governor, Haysen Ribera Leigue, appointed in December 2011. The previous governor, Ernesto Suárez Sattori, who had been elected in 2010, was suspended after being indicted for irregular expenditures related to a power plant in San Borja, Beni.
Early results and reactions
Initial exit polls (IPSOS) showed Carmelo Lens of Beni First leading with about 52.6% in the first round, Jessica Jordan of MAS-IPSP with about 44.1%, Pedro Nuni with around 2.4%, and Ademirzon Algarañaz with about 0.9%. Lens and his supporters celebrated an apparent victory, while Jordan pledged to wait for official results. On January 22, Evo Morales and MAS-IPSP conceded defeat. Because Lens was above 50%, there would be no runoff on March 21.
Final results
Final results released on February 3, 2013, showed Carmelo Lens winning with 71,161 votes (52.27%) and Jessica Jordan with 60,382 votes (44.35%). Pedro Nuni received 3,606 votes (2.65%), and Ademirzon Algarañaz received 986 votes (0.72%). Lens, from Beni First, became the elected governor.
Political parties and candidates
- Beni First (Primeros en el Beni): Carmelo Lens
- MAS-IPSP (Movement towards Socialism): Jessica Jordan
- NACER (Nacionalidades Autónomas por el Cambio y Empoderamiento): Ademirzon Algarañaz
- FPV (Frente Para la Victoria): Pedro Nuni
Governor before and after
Before the election, Haysen Ribera Leigue was the interim governor. Carmelo Lens of Beni First won the election and became governor.
This page was last edited on 28 January 2026, at 17:43 (CET).