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List of presidents of Bolivia facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The president of Bolivia is like the main leader of the country. This person is both the head of state (the symbolic leader) and the head of government (the one who runs the country day-to-day). The president is chosen by the Bolivian people in an election and serves for five years. They also lead the executive branch and are the top commander of the armed forces.

Since Bolivia's presidency began in 1825, 65 men and 2 women have held this important role. The very first president was Simón Bolívar. Sometimes, when a group of leaders (called a junta) governed, their members are not counted as official presidents unless they later became president on their own.

The shortest time anyone served as president was Pedro Blanco Soto, who was in office for only six days in 1828 before he lost his life unexpectedly. The longest-serving president was Evo Morales, who led the country for over thirteen years before a major political change in 2019. He is the only president to have served more than two times in a row. José Miguel de Velasco and Víctor Paz Estenssoro each served four terms, but not all of them were consecutive.

Some presidents lost their lives while in office due to natural causes or tragic events, like Adolfo Ballivián, Germán Busch, and René Barrientos. Others, like Pedro Blanco Soto, Agustín Morales, and Gualberto Villarroel, also died in tragic circumstances. Sometimes, a vice president stepped up to become president during a term, such as José Luis Tejada Sorzano and Carlos Mesa.

Throughout Bolivia's history, there have been many changes in leadership. Twenty-two presidents were removed from power through various changes in government. For example, José Miguel de Velasco was removed twice. There were also times when leadership changed due to major political events like a civil war or a revolution. Some changes in leadership did not follow the usual rules, like when Daniel Salamanca was replaced by his vice president. There are also different views on how Evo Morales left office in 2019.

Currently, there are seven former presidents who are still alive. The most recent former president to pass away was Luis García Meza on 29 April 2018. Interestingly, Víctor Paz Estenssoro, Jaime Paz Zamora, and Rodrigo Paz Pereira are related.

Key Facts About Bolivia's Presidents

Who Leads Bolivia?

The president of Bolivia is the country's main leader. They are chosen by the people in an election. Their job is to lead the government and be the commander of the armed forces.

How Many Presidents Has Bolivia Had?

Since 1825, Bolivia has had 65 men and 2 women serve as president. The first president was Simón Bolívar.

Shortest and Longest Terms

The shortest time a president served was just six days. This was Pedro Blanco Soto in 1828, who lost his life unexpectedly. The longest-serving president was Evo Morales, who led for over thirteen years.

Changes in Leadership

Bolivia has seen many changes in its leadership. Some presidents died while in office, either from natural causes or tragic events. Others were removed from power through various changes in government. Sometimes, a vice president took over the presidency when the president could no longer serve.

Presidents

State flag of Bolivia (1825-1826).svg Heads of state of the State of Upper Peru, or Republic of Bolívar (1825–1826) Coat of arms of Bolivia (1825).svg
Presidency Portrait President Party Designation Government Vice President
From 6 to 11 August 1825, the presidency was fulfilled by José Mariano Serrano. Legal
acting		 Non-existent
6 Aug.1826
–
19 Nov. 1826
From 11 to 12 August 1825, the presidency was fulfilled by Antonio José de Sucre. Legal
acting
1
 12 August 1825
–
29 December 1825
Resigned		 Simón Bolívar by Ricardo Acevedo Bernal.jpg Simón Bolívar
(1783–1830)		 Independent Elected by the
General Assembly		 Legal
2 29 December 1825
–
25 May 1826
Legal change		 02 - Antonio José de Sucre (CROPPED).png Antonio José
de Sucre
(1795–1830)		 Independent Received command
from Bolívar		 Legal
(29 Dec. 1825)
Flag of Bolivia.svg Presidents of the Bolivian Republic (1826–1868) Escudo de Bolivia.svg
Presidency President Party Designation Government Vice President
2 25 May 1826
–
18 April 1828
Delegated
command
–
12 August 1828
Resigned		 From 25 to 28 May 1826, the presidency was fulfilled by Casimiro Olañeta. Legal
acting		 Non-existent
6 Aug.1826
–
19 Nov. 1826
02 - Antonio José de Sucre (CROPPED).png Antonio José
de Sucre
(1795–1830)		 Independent Elected by the
General Constituent Congress		 Legal
(28 May 1826)
Legal
(19 Jun. 1826)
Vacant after
19 Nov. 1826
Elected by the
General Constituent Congress		 Constitutional
(9 Dec. 1826)
3 03 - José María Pérez de Urdininea (CROPPED).png José María Pérez
de Urdininea
(1784–1865)		 Independent Received command
from Sucre
(President of the Council of Ministers)
Council of Ministers

Council of Ministers

 Constitutional
acting
(18 Apr. 1828)
4 2 August 1828
–
18 December 1828
End of mandate		 04c - José Miguel de Velasco (CROPPED).png José Miguel
de Velasco
(1795–1859)		 Independent Received command
from Sucre
(President of the Council of Ministers)
Council of Ministers

Council of Ministers

 Constitutional
acting
(2 Aug. 1828)
Elected by the
General Constituent Congress
(Vice President of Santa Cruz)		 Constitutional
provisional
acting
(12 Aug. 1828)
 Themself; charged with
State Administration
From 18 to 26 December 1828, the presidency was fulfilled by José Ramón de Loayza. Elected by the
General Assembly		 Constitutional
provisional
acting		 Themself; charged with
State Administration
5 26 December 1828
–
1 January 1829
Died in office		 5 - Pedro Blanco Soto (CROPPED).png Pedro Blanco Soto
(1795–1829)		 Independent Received command
from Loayza		 Constitutional
provisional
 José Ramón
de Loayza
4 1 January 1829
–
24 May 1829
End of mandate		 04c - José Miguel de Velasco (CROPPED).png José Miguel
de Velasco
(1795–1859)		 Independent Elected by the
Constituent Congress
(Vice President of Santa Cruz)		 Constitutional
acting
 Themself; charged with
State Administration
6 24 May 1829
–
17 February 1839
Removed from power by a change in government		 06 - Andrés de Santa Cruz (CROPPED).png Andrés de
Santa Cruz
(1792–1865)		 Independent Received command
from Velasco		 Constitutional
provisional
(24 May 1829)
 José Miguel
de Velasco
Elected by the
General Constituent Assembly		 Constitutional
provisional
(16 Jul. 1831)
Elected by the
General Constituent Assembly		 Constitutional
(15 Aug. 1831)
Mariano
Enrique Calvo
Elected by the
parish electoral boards		 Constitutional
(16 Aug. 1835)
Elected by the Tapacarí, Huaura,
and Sicuani Congresses		 Constitutional
(28 Oct. 1836)
From 18 July 1838 – 17 February 1839, the presidency was fulfilled by Mariano Enrique Calvo. Constitutional
acting
Office vacant 17–22 February 1839.
4 22 February 1839
–
10 June 1841
Removed from power by a change in government		 04d - José Miguel de Velasco (CROPPED).png José Miguel
de Velasco
(1795–1859)		 Military Came to power through a change in government De facto
provisional
(22 Feb. 1839)
 Vacant through
26 Oct. 1839
Elected by the
General Constituent Congress		 Constitutional
provisional
(16 Jun. 1839)
Office abolished
26 Oct. 1839
–
15 Feb. 1878
Elected by the
Constitutional Congress		 Constitutional
(15 Aug. 1840)
7 10 June 1841
–
9 July 1841
Resigned		 07 - Sebastián Ágreda (CROPPED).png Sebastián Ágreda
(1795–1875)		 Military Came to power through a change in government De facto
provisional
8 9 July 1841
–
22 September 1841
Removed from power by a change in government		 08 - Mariano Enrique Calvo (CROPPED).png Mariano
Enrique Calvo
(1782–1842)		 Independent Received command
from Ágreda		 De facto
acting
Office vacant 22–27 September 1841.
9 27 September 1841
–
23 December 1847
Resigned		 09 - José Ballivián (CROPPED).png José Ballivián
(1805–1852)		 Military Came to power through a change in government De facto
provisional
(27 Sep. 1841)
Elected by the
National Convention		 Constitutional
provisional
(23 Apr. 1843)
1844 general election Constitutional
(15 Aug. 1844)
10 23 December 1847
–
2 January 1848
Removed from power by a change in government		 10 - Eusebio Guilarte.png Eusebio Guilarte
(1805–1849)		 Independent Constitutional succession
(President of the National Council)		 Constitutional
acting
Office vacant 2–18 January 1848.
4 18 January 1848
–
6 December 1848
Removed from power by a change in government		 04d - José Miguel de Velasco (CROPPED).png José Miguel
de Velasco
(1795–1859)		 Military Came to power through a change in government De facto
(18 Jan. 1848)
Elected by the
Extraordinary Congress		 De facto
provisional
(12 Sep. 1848)
From 12 October – 6 December 1838, the presidency was fulfilled by José María Linares. Constitutional
acting
11 6 December 1848
–
15 August 1855
End of term		 11 - Manuel Isidoro Belzu (CROPPED).png Manuel
Isidoro Belzu
(1802–1865)		 Military Came to power through a change in government De facto
provisional
(6 Dec. 1848)
1850 general election Constitutional
(15 Aug. 1850)
Dictatorship declared De facto
(7 Sep. 1850)
Constitutional
freedoms restored		 Constitutional
(16 Jul. 1851)
12 15 August 1855
–
9 September 1857
Removed from power by a change in government		 12 - Jorge Córdova (CROPPED).png Jorge Córdova
(1822–1861)		 Independent 1855 general election Constitutional
13 9 September 1857
–
14 January 1861
Removed from power by a change in government		 13 - José María Linares (CROPPED).png José María
Linares
(1808–1861)		 Independent Came to power through a change in government De facto
provisional
From 14 January – 4 May 1861, the presidency was fulfilled by a junta.
Government Junta

Governmental Junta of the Republic
From 14 January 1861:

  • José María de Achá
    (Mil.)
  • Ruperto Fernández
    (Ind.)
  • Manuel Antonio Sánchez
    (Mil.)

From 9 April 1861:

  • José María de Achá
    (Mil.)
  • Ruperto Fernández
    (Ind.)
 Came to power through a change in government De facto
14 4 May 1861
–
28 December 1864
Removed from power by a change in government		 14 - José María de Achá (CROPPED).png José María
de Achá
(1810–1868)		 Independent Elected by the
Constituent National Assembly		 Constitutional
provisional
(4 May 1861)
1862 general election Constitutional
(15 Aug. 1862)
15 28 December 1864
–
1 October 1868
Legal change		 15 - Mariano Melgarejo (CROPPED).png Mariano Melgarejo
(1820–1871)		 Military Came to power through a change in government De facto
provisional
(28 Dec. 1864)
1868 general election Constitutional
provisional
(15 Aug. 1868)
Flag of Bolivia.svg Presidents of the Republic of Bolivia (1868–2009) Escudo de Bolivia.svg
Presidency President Party Designation Government Vice President
15 1 October 1868
–
15 January 1871
Removed from power by a change in government		 15 - Mariano Melgarejo (CROPPED).png Mariano Melgarejo
(1820–1871)		 Military 1868 Political Constitution Constitutional
provisional
(15 Aug. 1868)
 Office abolished
26 Oct. 1839
–
15 Feb. 1878
Dictatorship declared De facto
provisional
(3 Feb. 1869)
Constitutional
freedoms restored		 Constitutional
provisional
(31 May 1869)
1870 general election Constitutional
(15 Aug. 1870)
16 15 January 1871
–
27 November 1872
Died in office		 16 - Agustín Morales (CROPPED).png Agustín Morales
(1808–1872)		 Military Came to power through a change in government De facto
(15 Jan. 1871)
De facto
provisional
(21 Jan. 1871)
Elected by the
Constituent Assembly		 De facto
provisional
(18 Jun. 1871)
1872 general election Constitutional
(25 Aug. 1872)
From 27 to 28 November 1872, the presidency was fulfilled by Juan de Dios Bosque. Constitutional succession
(President of the National Assembly)		 Constitutional
acting
17 28 November 1872
–
9 May 1873
End of mandate		 17 - Tomás Frías.png Tomás Frías
(1804–1884)		 Independent Constitutional succession
(President of the Council of State)		 Constitutional
18 9 May 1873
–
14 February 1874
Died in office		 18 - Adolfo Ballivián (CROPPED).png Adolfo Ballivián
(1831–1874)		 Red 1873 general election
(Elected by the National Congress)		 Constitutional
From 31 January – 14 February 1874, the presidency was fulfilled by Tomás Frías. Constitutional
acting
17 14 February 1874
–
4 May 1876
Removed from power by a change in government		 17 - Tomás Frías.png Tomás Frías
(1804–1884)		 Independent Constitutional succession
(President of the Council of State)		 Constitutional
19 4 May 1876
–
28 December 1879
Removed from power by a change in government		 19 - Hilarión Daza.png Hilarión Daza
(1840–1894)		 Military Came to power through a change in government De facto
provisional
(4 May 1876)
Elected by the
Constituent Assembly		 Constitutional
provisional
(15 Nov. 1877)
Vacant after
15 Feb. 1878
From 17 April – 28 December 1879, the presidency was fulfilled by the Council of Ministers.
Council of Ministers

Government Junta
From 17 April 1879:

  • Pedro José de Guerra (president)
    (Ind.)
  • Manuel Othon Jofre (war)
    (Ind.)
  • Eulogio Doria Medina (finance)
    (Ind.)
  • Julio Méndez (instruction)
    (Ind.)

From 11 September 1879:

  • Serapio Reyes Ortiz (president)
    (PC)
  • Manuel Othon Jofré (war)
    (Ind.)
  • Eulogio Doria Medina (finance)
    (Ind.)
  • Julio Méndez (instruction)
    (Ind.)
 Constitutional
acting
From 28 December 1879 – 19 January 1880, the presidency was fulfilled by a junta.
Government Junta

Government Junta of La Paz

  • Uladislao Silva (president)
    (Mil.)
  • Rudesindo Carvajal
    (Ind.)
  • Donato Vazquez
    (Ind.)
20 19 January 1880
–
4 September 1884
End of term		 20 - Narciso Campero (CROPPED).png Narciso Campero
(1813–1896)		 Independent Received command
from the junta		 De facto
provisional
(19 Jan. 1880)
 Vacant through
31 May 1880
Elected by the
National Convention		 Constitutional
(31 May 1880)
 Aniceto Arce
(1º)
Vacant after
11 Mar. 1881
Belisario Salinas
(2º)
21 4 September 1884
–
15 August 1888
End of term		 21 - Gregorio Pacheco (CROPPED).png Gregorio Pacheco
(1823–1899)		 Democratic 1884 general election
(Elected by the National Congress)		 Constitutional
 Mariano Baptista
(1º)
Conservative Jorge Oblitas
(2º)
22 15 August 1888
–
11 August 1892
End of term		 Aniceto Arce. Gorostiaga, Isaac. c. 1900s, Círculo Militar, La Paz.png Aniceto Arce
(1824–1906)		 Conservative 1888 general election Constitutional
 José Manuel
del Carpio
(1º)
Serapio
Reyes Ortiz
(2º)
23 11 August 1892
–
19 August 1896
End of term		 23 - Mariano Baptista (CROPPED).png Mariano Baptista
(1831–1907)		 Conservative 1892 general election
(Elected by the National Congress)		 Constitutional
 Severo Fernández
(1º)
Vacant throughout
presidency
24 19 August 1896
–
12 April 1899
Removed from power during the Federal War		 Severo Fernández. Anonymous author. c. 1896, Círculo Militar, La Paz.png Severo Fernández
(1849–1925)		 Conservative 1896 general election Constitutional
 Rafael Peña
(1º)
Jenaro Sanjinés
(2º)
From 12 April – 25 October 1899, the presidency was fulfilled by a junta.
Government Junta

Government Junta

  • José Manuel Pando
    (PL)
  • Serapio Reyes Ortiz
    (PL)
  • Macario Pinilla
    (PL)
  • Eloy Guachalla
    (PL)
 Came to power during the Federal War De facto Vacant throughout
mandate
25 25 October 1899
–
14 August 1904
End of term		 25 - José Manuel Pando (CROPPED).png José Manuel
Pando
(1849–1917)		 Liberal Elected by the
National Convention		 Constitutional
 Lucio Pérez
Velasco
(1º)
Vacant after
23 Jan. 1903
Aníbal Capriles
(2º)
26 14 August 1904
–
12 August 1909
End of term		 26 - Ismael Montes (CROPPED).png Ismael Montes
(1861–1933)		 Liberal 1904 general election Constitutional
 Eliodoro Villazón
(1º)
Valentín Abecia
(2º)
27 12 August 1909
–
14 August 1913
End of term		 Eliodoro Villazón. Anonymous author. c. 1909, Círculo Militar, La Paz.png Eliodoro Villazón
(1848–1939)		 Liberal 1909 presidential election Constitutional
 Macario Pinilla
(1º)
Juan Misael
Saracho
26 14 August 1913
–
15 August 1917
End of term		 26 - Ismael Montes (CROPPED).png Ismael Montes
(1861–1933)		 Liberal 1913 presidential election Constitutional
Vacant after
1 Oct. 1915
José Carrasco
(2º)
28 15 August 1917
–
12 July 1920
Removed from power by a change in government		 José Gutiérrez Guerra. Bazoberri, Luis (Photo). c. 1916, Círculo Militar, La Paz.png José Gutiérrez
Guerra
(1869–1929)		 Liberal 1917 presidential election Constitutional
 Ismael Vázquez
(1º)
José Santos
Quinteros
(2º)
From 13 July 1920 – 28 January 1921, the presidency was fulfilled by a junta.
Government Junta

Government Junta
From 13 July 1920:

  • Bautista Saavedra
    (PR)
  • José María Escalier
    (PR)
  • José Manuel Ramírez
    (PR)

From 16 July 1920:

  • Bautista Saavedra
    (PR)
  • José María Escalier
    (PR)
  • José Manuel Ramírez
    (PR)
  • Juan José Fernández
    (Mil.)
 Came to power through a change in government De facto Vacant throughout
mandate
29 28 January 1921
–
3 September 1925
End of term		 29b - Bautista Saavedra.png Bautista Saavedra
(1870–1939)		 Republican Elected by the
National Convention		 Constitutional
 Vacant throughout
presidency
30 3 September 1925
–
10 January 1926
End of mandate		 Felipe Segundo Guzmán. Anonymous author. c. 1900s, Palacio Quemado, La Paz.png Felipe Segundo
Guzmán
(1879–1932)		 Republican Constitutional succession
(President of the National Senate)		 Constitutional
provisional
 Vacant throughout
presidency
31 10 January 1926
–
28 May 1930
Resigned		 Hernando Siles Reyes. Anonymous author. c. 1926, Círculo Militar, La Paz.png Hernando
Siles Reyes
(1882–1942)		 Republican 1925 general election Constitutional
 Abdón
Saavedra
Nationalist
From 28 May – 28 June 1930, the presidency was fulfilled by the council of ministers.
Council of Ministers

Council of Ministers
From 28 May:

  • Germán Antelo Arauz (government)
    (Ind.)
  • Alberto Díez de Medina (foreign affairs)
    (Ind.)
  • Fidel Vega (war)
    (PN)
  • Franklin Mercado (finance)
    (Ind.)
  • David Toro (development)
    (Mil.)
  • José Aguirre de Achá (instruction)
    (Ind.)
  • Carlos Banzer (agriculture)
    (Mil.)

From 17 June:

  • David Toro (government)
    (Mil.)
  • Alberto Díez de Medina (foreign affairs)
    (Ind.)
  • Fidel Vega
    (PN)
  • Franklin Mercado (finance)
    (Ind.)
  • Carlos Banzer (development)
    (Mil.)
  • José Aguirre de Achá (instruction)
    (Ind.)
  • Ezequiel Romecín Calderón (agriculture)
    (Ind.)
 Received command
from Siles Reyes		 De facto
 Vacant throughout
mandate
32 28 June 1930
–
5 March 1931
End of mandate		 32 - Carlos Blanco Galindo (CROPPED).jpg Carlos Blanco
Galindo
(1882–1943)		 Military Came to power through a change in government
Government Junta

Military Government Junta
From 28 July 1930:

  • Carlos Blanco Galindo (pres.)
    (Mil.)
  • Oscar Mariaca Pando
    (Mil.)
  • José Luis Lanza
    (Mil.)
  • Filiberto Osorio
    (Mil.)
  • Emilio González
    (Mil.)
  • Bernardino Bilbao Rioja
    (Mil.)

From 2 July 1930:

  • Carlos Blanco Galindo (pres.)
    (Mil.)
  • Oscar Mariaca Pando
    (Mil.)
  • José Luis Lanza
    (Mil.)
  • Filiberto Osorio
    (Mil.)
  • Emilio González
    (Mil.)
  • Bernardino Bilbao Rioja
    (Mil.)
  • José Ayoroa y V.
    (Mil.)

From 21 July 1930:

  • Carlos Blanco Galindo (pres.)
    (Mil.)
  • Oscar Mariaca Pando
    (Mil.)
  • José Luis Lanza
    (Mil.)
  • Filiberto Osorio
    (Mil.)
  • Emilio González
    (Mil.)
  • Bernardino Bilbao Rioja
    (Mil.)
 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
33 5 March 1931
–
1 December 1934
Removed from power by a change in government		 33 - Daniel Salamanca (CROPPED2).jpg Daniel Salamanca
(1869–1935)		 Genuine
Republican		 1931 general election Constitutional
 José Luis
Tejada Sorzano
From 28 November – 1 December 1934, the presidency was fulfilled by José Luis Tejada Sorzano. Constitutional
acting
34 1 December 1934
–
17 May 1936
Removed from power by a change in government		 34 - José Luis Tejada Sorzano.jpg José Luis
Tejada Sorzano
(1882–1938)		 Liberal Change in leadership that didn't follow the usual rules
(Vice President of Salamanca)		 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
From 17 to 22 May 1936, the presidency was fulfilled by Germán Busch.
Government Junta

Mixed Government Junta

  • Germán Busch (provisional head of government)
    (Mil.)
  • Luis Cuenca
    (Mil.)
  • Jorge Jórdan
    (Mil.)
  • Enrique Baldivieso
    (PSU)
  • Gabriel Gosálvez
    (PSU)
  • Pedro Zilveti
    (PRS)
  • Florencio Candía
    (PSU)
 Came to power through a change in government De facto
provisional		 Vacant throughout
mandate
35 22 May 1936
–
13 July 1937
Removed from power by a change in government		 35 - David Toro.jpg David Toro
(1898–1977)		 Military
Socialist
 Succeeded to lead the junta
Government Junta

Government Junta

  • David Toro (president)
    (Mil.)
  • Germán Busch
    (Mil.)
  • Luis Cuenca
    (Mil.)
  • Jorge Jórdan
    (Mil.)
  • Enrique Baldivieso
    (PSU)
  • Gabriel Gosálvez
    (PSU)
  • Pedro Zilveti
    (PRS)
  • Florencio Candía
    (PSU)
 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
36 13 July 1937
–
23 August 1939
Died in office		 36 - Germán Busch (CROPPED).jpg Germán Busch
(1903–1939)		 Military
Socialist
 Succeeded to lead the junta
Government Junta

Military Government Junta

  • Germán Busch (president)
    (Mil.)
  • Luis Cuenca
    (Mil.)
  • Jorge Jórdan
    (Mil.)
  • Enrique Baldivieso
    (PSU)
  • Gabriel Gosálvez
    (PSU)
  • Pedro Zilveti
    (PRS)
  • Florencio Candía
    (PSU)
 De facto
(13 Jul. 1937)
 Vacant through
28 May 1938
Elected by the
National Convention		 Constitutional
(28 May 1938)
 Enrique Baldivieso
Dictatorship declared De facto
(24 Apr. 1939)
 Vacant after
24 Apr. 1939
37 23 August 1939
–
15 April 1940
End of mandate		 37 - Carlos Quintanilla (CROPPED2).jpg Carlos Quintanilla
(1888–1964)		 Military Came to power through a change in government De facto
provisional
 Vacant through
4 Dec. 1939
Office abolished
4 Dec. 1939
–
6 Nov. 1945
38 15 April 1940
–
20 December 1943
Removed from power by a change in government		 38 - Enrique Peñaranda.jpg Enrique Peñaranda
(1892–1969)		 Concordance 1940 general election Constitutional
39 20 December 1943
–
21 July 1946
Resigned		 39 - Gualberto Villarroel (CROPPED1).jpg Gualberto Villarroel
(1908–1946)		 Reason for the
Fatherland		 Came to power through a change in government
Government Junta

Government Junta
From 20 December 1943:

From 11 February 1944:

 De facto
(20 Dec. 1943)
Received command
from the junta		 De facto
provisional
(5 Apr. 1944)
Elected by the
National Convention		 Constitutional
(6 Aug. 1944)
Julián Montellano
Briefly on 21 July 1946, the presidency was fulfilled by Dámaso Arenas. Change in leadership that didn't follow the usual rules
(Commander-in-chief of the military)		 De facto Vacant throughout
presidency
40 21 July 1946
–
17 August 1946
End of mandate		 40 - Néstor Guillén.jpg Néstor Guillén
(1890–1966)		 Independent Came to power after a popular uprising
Government Junta

Superior Court of Justice of
the Judicial District of La Paz
From 21 July 1946:

  • Néstor Guillén (dean)
    (Ind.)
  • Cleto Cabrera García
    (Ind.)
  • Juan Armaza Ribert
    (Ind.)
  • Carlos Pacheco Núñez
    (Ind.)
  • Pacífico Ledezma
    (Ind.)
  • Daniel Guisbert
    (Ind.)

Government Junta
From 22 July 1946:

  • Néstor Guillén (president)
    (Ind.)
  • Cleto Cabrera García
    (Ind.)
  • Carlos Montaño Daza
    (Ind.)
  • Raúl Calvimontes
    (Ind.)

Provisional Government Junta
From 24 July 1946:

  • Néstor Guillén (president)
    (Ind.)
  • Cleto Cabrera García
    (Ind.)
  • Luis Gosalvez Indaburu
    (Ind.)
  • Aniceto Solares
    (PRG)
  • Aurelio Alcoba
    (PIR)
  • Roberto Bilbao la Vieja
    (Ind.)
 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
41 17 August 1946
–
10 March 1947
End of mandate		 41 - Tomás Monje (CROPPED1).jpg Tomás Monje
(1884–1954)		 Independent Succeeded to lead the junta
Government Junta

Provisional Government Junta

  • Tomás Monje (president)
    (Ind.)
  • Luis Goslvez Indaburo
    (Ind.)
  • Aniceto Solares
    (PRG)
  • Aurelio Alcoba
    (PIR)
  • Roberto Bilbao la Vieja
    (Ind.)
 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
42 10 March 1947
–
22 October 1949
Resigned		 42 - Enrique Hertzog (CROPPED).jpg Enrique Hertzog
(1897–1981)		 Republican
Socialist Unity		 1947 general election
(Elected by the National Congress)		 Constitutional
 Mamerto
Urriolagoitía
From 7 May – 22 October 1949, the presidency was fulfilled by Mamerto Urriolagoitía. Constitutional
acting
From 22 to 24 October 1949, the presidency was fulfilled by Mamerto Urriolagoitía.
43 24 October 1949
–
16 May 1951
Resigned		 43 - Mamerto Urriolagoitía (CROPPED1).jpg Mamerto
Urriolagoitía
(1895–1974)		 Republican
Socialist Unity		 Constitutional succession
(Vice President of Hertzog)		 Constitutional
 Vacant throughout
presidency
44 16 May 1951
–
11 April 1952
Removed from power during the National Revolution		 44 - Hugo Ballivián (CROPPED).jpg Hugo Ballivián
(1901–1993)		 Military Resigned to allow a military group to take over
Government Junta

Military Government Junta

  • Hugo Ballivián (president)
    (Mil.)
  • Antonio Seleme
    (Mil.)
  • Tomás Antonio Suárez
    (Mil.)
  • Luis Martínez Q.
    (Mil.)
  • Carlos Montero
    (Mil.)
  • Donato Cardozo
    (Mil.)
  • Carlos Alberto Ocampo
    (Mil.)
  • Sergio Sánchez
    (Mil.)
  • Facundo Moreno
    (Mil.)
  • Valentín Gómez
    (Mil.)
 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
From 11 to 15 April 1952, the presidency was fulfilled by Hernán Siles Zuazo. Came to power during the
National Revolution		 De facto
provisional
(11 Apr. 1952)		 Vacant throughout
presidency
De facto
acting
(12 Apr. 1952)		 Themself; charged with
State Administration
45 15 April 1952
–
6 August 1956
End of term		 45 - Víctor Paz Estenssoro (CROPPED3).jpg Víctor Paz
Estenssoro
(1907–2001)		 Revolutionary
Nationalist		 Received command
from Siles Zuazo		 De facto
 Hernán
Siles Zuazo
46 6 August 1956
–
6 August 1960
End of term		 46 - Hernán Siles Zuazo.jpg Hernán
Siles Zuazo
(1914–1996)		 Revolutionary
Nationalist		 1956 general election Constitutional
 Ñuflo
Chávez Ortiz
Vacant after
24 Jun. 1957
45 6 August 1960
–
4 November 1964
Removed from power by a change in government		 45 - Víctor Paz Estenssoro (CROPPED3).jpg Víctor Paz
Estenssoro
(1907–2001)		 Revolutionary
Nationalist		 1960 general election Constitutional
 Juan Lechín
1964 general election René Barrientos
From 4–5 November 1964, the presidency was fulfilled by a junta.
Government Junta

Military Government Junta
From 4 November:

From 5 November:

 Came to power through a change in government De facto Vacant throughout
mandate
47 5 November 1964
–
26 May 1965
Legal change		 47 - René Barrientos.jpg René Barrientos
(1919–1969)		 Military Succeeded to lead the junta
Government Junta

Military Government Junta

 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
26 May 1965
–
2 January 1966
Barrientos resigned		 Co-presidency of the junta
Government Junta

Military Government Junta
48 48 - Alfredo Ovando Candía.jpg Alfredo Ovando
Candía
(1918–1982)		 Military De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
2 January 1966
–
6 August 1966
End of mandate		 Succeeded to lead the junta
Government Junta

Military Government Junta
47 6 August 1966
–
27 April 1969
Died in office		 47 - René Barrientos.jpg René Barrientos
(1919–1969)		 Popular
Christian		 1966 general election Constitutional
 Luis Adolfo
Siles Salinas
49 27 April 1969
–
26 September 1969
Removed from power by a change in government		 49 - Luis Adolfo Siles Salinas (CROPPED).jpg Luis Adolfo
Siles Salinas
(1925–2005)		 Social
Democratic		 Constitutional succession
(Vice President of Barrientos)		 Constitutional
 Vacant throughout
presidency
48 26 September 1969
–
6 October 1970
Removed from power by a change in government		 48b - Alfredo Ovando Candía.jpg Alfredo Ovando
Candía
(1918–1982)		 Military
Nationalist
 Came to power through a change in government De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
Briefly on 6 October 1970, the presidency was fulfilled by Rogelio Miranda. Came to power through a change in government De facto Vacant throughout
presidency
From 6–7 October 1970, the presidency was fulfilled by a junta.
Government Junta

Military Government Junta

  • Efraín Guachalla
    (Mil.)
  • Alberto Albarracín
    (Mil.)
  • Fernando Sattori
    (Mil.)
 De facto Vacant throughout
mandate
50 7 October 1970
–
21 August 1971
Removed from power by a change in government		 50 - Juan José Torres.jpg Juan José
Torres
(1920–1976)		 Military
Nationalist
 Came to power through a change in government De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
51 21 August 1971
–
21 July 1978
Resigned		 From 21 to 22 August 1971, the presidency was fulfilled by a junta.
Government Junta

Government Junta

  • Hugo Banzer (president)
    (Mil.)
  • Andrés Selich Chop (president)
    (Mil.)
  • Jaime Florentino Mendieta (president)
    (Mil.)
 Came to power through a change in government De facto
 Vacant throughout
mandate
GralHugoBanzerSuarez (CROPPED).jpg Hugo Banzer
(1926–2002)		 Military Received command
from the junta		 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
Briefly on 21 July 1978, the presidency was fulfilled by a junta.
Government Junta

Junta of Commanders of the Armed Forces

  • Víctor González Fuentes (president)
    (Mil.)
  • Gutenberg Barroso
    (Mil.)
  • Alfonso Villalpando
    (Mil.)
 Received command
from Banzer		 De facto
 Vacant throughout
mandate
52 21 July 1978
–
24 November 1978
Removed from power by a change in government		 Escudo de Bolivia.svg Juan Pereda
(1931–2012)		 Military Came to power through a change in government De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
53 24 November 1978
–
8 August 1979
End of mandate		 Escudo de Bolivia.svg David Padilla
(1927–2016)		 Military Came to power through a change in government
Government Junta

Military Government Junta

 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
54 8 August 1979
–
1 November 1979
Removed from power by a change in government		 Wálter Guevara.jpg Wálter Guevara
(1912–1996)		 Authentic
Revolutionary		 Elected by the National Congress
(President of the National Senate)		 Constitutional
acting
 Vacant throughout
presidency
55 1 November 1979
–
16 November 1979
Resigned		 Alberto Natusch Busch2.png Alberto Natusch
(1933–1994)		 Military Came to power through a change in government De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
56 16 November 1979
–
17 July 1980
Removed from power by a change in government		 Lidia Gueiler 1980.jpg Lidia Gueiler
(1921–2011)		 Revolutionary
Nationalist Left		 Elected by the National Congress
(President of the Chamber of Deputies)		 Constitutional
acting
 Vacant throughout
presidency
57 17 July 1980
–
4 August 1981
Resigned		 From 17 to 18 July 1980, the presidency was fulfilled by a junta.
Government Junta

Junta of Commanders of the Armed Forces of the Nation

  • Luis García Meza (president)
    (Mil.)
  • Ramiro Terrazas Rodríguez (president)
    (Mil.)
  • Waldo Bernal Pereira (president)
    (Mil.)
 Came to power through a change in government De facto Vacant throughout
mandate
LuisGarcíaMeza1980.png Luis García Meza
(1929–2018)		 Military Received command
from the junta		 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
From 4 August – 4 September 1981, the presidency was fulfilled by a junta.
Government Junta

Junta of Commanders of the Armed Forces of the Nation

  • Celso Torrelio
    (Mil.)
  • Óscar Pammo Rodríguez
    (Mil.)
  • Waldo Bernal Pereira
    (Mil.)
 Received command
from García Meza		 De facto
 Vacant throughout
mandate
58 4 September 1981
–
19 July 1982
Resigned		 Escudo de Bolivia.svg Celso Torrelio
(1933–1999)		 Military Received command
from the junta		 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
From 19 to 21 July 1982, the presidency was fulfilled by a junta.
Government Junta

Junta of Commanders of the Armed Forces of the Nation

  • Ángel Mariscal
    (Mil.)
  • Natalio Morales
    (Mil.)
  • Óscar Pammo Rodríguez
    (Mil.)
 Received command
from Torrelio		 De facto
 Vacant throughout
mandate
59 21 July 1982
–
10 October 1982
End of mandate		 Guido Vildoso.jpg Guido Vildoso
(born 1937)		 Military Received command
from the junta		 De facto
 Vacant throughout
presidency
46 10 October 1982
–
6 August 1985
End of term		 Hernán Siles Zuazo2.png Hernán
Siles Zuazo
(1914–1996)		 Left-wing
Revolutionary
Nationalist		 1980 general election
(Elected by the National Congress)		 Constitutional
 Jaime Paz
Zamora
Vacant after
14 Dec. 1984
45 6 August 1985
–
6 August 1989
End of term		 Víctor Paz Estenssoro (1964) - CROPPED.jpg Víctor Paz
Estenssoro
(1907–2001)		 Revolutionary
Nationalist		 1985 general election
(Elected by the National Congress)		 Constitutional
 Julio Garrett
Ayllón
60 6 August 1989
–
6 August 1993
End of term		 Jaime Paz Zamora. Eguino, Antonio. 1989, Carlos D. Mesa collection, La Paz (Cropped).png Jaime Paz
Zamora
(born 1939)		 Revolutionary
Left		 1989 general election
(Elected by the National Congress)		 Constitutional
 Luis Ossio
61 6 August 1993
–
6 August 1997
End of term		 Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada.png Gonzalo Sánchez
de Lozada
(born 1930)		 Revolutionary
Nationalist		 1993 general election
(Elected by the National Congress)		 Constitutional
 Víctor Hugo
Cárdenas
51 6 August 1997
–
7 August 2001
Resigned		 Hugo Banzer (c. 1997).jpg Hugo Banzer
(1926–2002)		 Nationalist
Democratic
Action		 1997 general election
(Elected by the National Congress)		 Constitutional
 Jorge Quiroga
From 1 July – 7 August 2001, the presidency was fulfilled by Jorge Quiroga. Constitutional
acting
62 7 August 2001
–
6 August 2002
End of term		 Jorge Quiroga. Suárez, Antonio. 2001, Antonio Suárez collection, La Paz (Cropped).png Jorge Quiroga
(born 1960)		 Nationalist
Democratic
Action		 Constitutional succession
(Vice President of Banzer)		 Constitutional
 Vacant throughout
presidency
61 6 August 2002
–
17 October 2003
Resigned		 Gonzálo Sánchez de Lozada-Agencia BrasilAntonio Cruz.jpg Gonzalo Sánchez
de Lozada
(born 1930)		 Revolutionary
Nationalist		 2002 general election
(Elected by the National Congress)		 Constitutional
 Carlos Mesa
63 17 October 2003
–
9 June 2005
Resigned		 Carlos Mesa. Suárez, Antonio. 2004, Antonio Suárez collection, La Paz (Cropped).jpg Carlos Mesa
(born 1953)		 Independent Constitutional succession
(Vice President of Sánchez de Lozada)		 Constitutional
 Vacant throughout
presidency
64 9 June 2005
–
22 January 2006
End of mandate		 Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé. 2005.png Eduardo
Rodríguez Veltzé
(born 1956)		 Independent Constitutional succession
(President of the Supreme Court)		 Constitutional
 Vacant throughout
presidency
65 22 January 2006
–
7 February 2009
Legal change		 Evo Morales Ayma (cropped 3).jpg Evo Morales
(born 1959)		 Movement
for Socialism		 2005 general election Constitutional
 Álvaro García
Linera
Flag of Bolivia.svg Banner of the Qulla Suyu (1979).svg Presidents of the Plurinational State of Bolivia (2009–present) Escudo de Bolivia.svg
Presidency President Party Designation Government Vice President
65 7 February 2009
–
10 November 2019
Resigned		 Evo Morales Ayma (cropped 3).jpg Evo Morales
(born 1959)		 Movement
for Socialism		 2009 Political Constitution Constitutional
 Álvaro García
Linera
2009 general election
2014 general election
Office vacant 10–12 November 2019.
66 12 November 2019
–
8 November 2020
End of mandate		 Jeanine Áñez (Official Photo, 2019) Cropped II.jpg Jeanine Áñez
(born 1967)		 Social
Democratic		 Constitutional succession
(President of the Senate Chamber)		 Constitutional
 Vacant throughout
presidency
67 8 November 2020
–
8 November 2025
End of term		 Luis Arce (Official Photo, 2020) Cropped III.png Luis Arce
(born 1963)		 Movement
for Socialism		 2020 general election Constitutional
 David
Choquehuanca
68 8 November 2025
–
Incumbent		 Rodrigo Paz, presidente de Bolivia.jpg Rodrigo Paz
(born 1967)		 Christian Democratic Party 2025 general election Constitutional
 Edmand Lara
Presidency President Party Designation Government Vice President

Timeline

Rodrigo Paz Luis Arce Jeanine Áñez Evo Morales Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé Carlos Mesa Jorge Quiroga Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada Jaime Paz Zamora Guido Vildoso Natalio Morales Ángel Mariscal Celso Torrelio Óscar Pammo Rodríguez Luis García Meza Waldo Bernal Pereira Ramiro Terrazas Rodríguez Lidia Gueiler Alberto Natusch Wálter Guevara David Padilla Juan Pereda Alfonso Villalpando Gutenberg Barroso Víctor González Fuentes Hugo Banzer Jaime Florentino Mendieta Andrés Selich Chop Juan José Torres Fernando Sattori Alberto Albarracín Efraín Guachalla Rogelio Miranda Luis Adolfo Siles Salinas Alfredo Ovando Candía René Barrientos Hernán Siles Zuazo Víctor Paz Estenssoro Hugo Ballivián Mamerto Urriolagoitía Enrique Hertzog Tomás Monje Néstor Guillén Dámaso Arenas Gualberto Villarroel Enrique Peñaranda Carlos Quintanilla Germán Busch David Toro José Luis Tejada Sorzano Daniel Salamanca Carlos Blanco Galindo Ezequiel Romecín Calderón José Aguirre de Achá Carlos Banzer Franklin Mercado Fidel Vega Alberto Díez de Medina Germán Antelo Arauz Hernando Siles Reyes Felipe Segundo Guzmán Juan José Fernández Bautista Saavedra José Manuel Ramírez José María Escalier José Gutiérrez Guerra Eliodoro Villazón Ismael Montes José Manuel Pando Macario Pinilla Severo Fernández Mariano Baptista Aniceto Arce Gregorio Pacheco Narciso Campero Donato Vazquez Rudecindo Carvajal Uladislao Silva Serapio Reyes Ortiz Pedro José de Guerra Hilarión Daza Adolfo Ballivián Tomás Frías Juan de Dios Bosque Agustín Morales Mariano Melgarejo José María de Achá Ruperto Fernández Manuel Antonio Sánchez José María Linares Jorge Córdova Manuel Isidoro Belzu Eusebio Guilarte José Ballivián Mariano Enrique Calvo Sebastián Ágreda Andrés de Santa Cruz Pedro Blanco Soto José Ramón de Loayza José Miguel de Velasco José María Pérez de Urdininea Antonio José de Sucre Simón Bolívar José Mariano Serrano

See also

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List of presidents of Bolivia Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.