View source for Carlos Mesa

{{Short description|President of Bolivia from 2003 to 2005}}
{{For|the Colombian Olympic cyclist|Carlos Mesa (cyclist)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Family name hatnote|[[Mesa (surname)|Mesa]]|[[Gisbert]]|lang=Spanish}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name               = Carlos Mesa
| honorific_suffix   = [[Order of the Condor of the Andes|OCA]] [[Order of the Sun of Peru|OSP]] [[Order of the Aztec Eagle|OMAA]] [[Order pro Merito Melitensi|OMM]]
| image              = Carlos Mesa. Suárez, Antonio. 2004, Antonio Suárez collection, La Paz.jpg
| caption            = Official portrait, 2004
| alt                = Carlos Mesa in his office, invested with the symbols of command. Behind is the portrait of Marshal Andrés de Santa Cruz.
<!-- Political Offices -->
| order              = 63rd
| office             = President of Bolivia
| vicepresident      = ''Vacant''
| term_start         = 17 October 2003
| term_end           = 9 June 2005
| predecessor        = [[Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada]]
| successor          = [[Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé]]
| order2             = 37th
| office2            = Vice President of Bolivia
| president2         = Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada
| term_start2        = 6 August 2002
| term_end2          = 17 October 2003
| predecessor2       = [[Jorge Quiroga]] (2001)
| successor2         = [[Álvaro García Linera]] (2006)
| office3            = [[Civic Community|Leader of Civic Community]]
| term_start3        = 13 November 2018
| term_end3          =
| predecessor3       = Alliance established
| successor3         = 
| office4            = [[Obligation to Negotiate Access to the Pacific Ocean|Official Representative of Bolivia<br>for the Maritime Claim]]
| status4            = [[Ad honorem]]
| president4         = [[Evo Morales]]
| term_start4        = 28 April 2014
| term_end4          = 1 October 2018{{efn|The Bolivian government did not specify when Mesa's term as spokesman ended. In response to a question on the matter issued on 11 October, Foreign Minister [[Diego Pary Rodríguez]] stated that "the ruling in the Court has concluded on the maritime claim", implying that Mesa's functions ceased on that date.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-10-11|title=Canciller no responde si Carlos Mesa sigue siendo vocero de la demanda marítima|language=es|work=[[Los Tiempos]]|url=https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/pais/20181011/canciller-no-responde-si-carlos-mesa-sigue-siendo-vocero-demanda-maritima|access-date=2021-12-16|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217005638/https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/pais/20181011/canciller-no-responde-si-carlos-mesa-sigue-siendo-vocero-demanda-maritima|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| predecessor4       = ''Position established''
| successor4         = ''Position dissolved''
<!-- Personal Details -->
| birth_name         = Carlos Diego de Mesa Gisbert
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1953|08|12|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[La Paz]], Bolivia
| death_date         =
| death_place        =
| spouse             = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Patricia Flores Soto|1975|1978|reason=divorced}}
* {{marriage|Elvira Salinas Gamarra|28 March 1980}}
}}
| children           = {{flatlist|
* Borja Ignacio
* Guiomar
}}
| parents            = {{plainlist|
* [[:es:José de Mesa|José de Mesa]]
* [[Teresa Gisbert]]
}}
| party              = [[Revolutionary Left Front (Bolivia)|Revolutionary Left Front]] {{Nowrap|(2018–present)}}
| otherparty         = [[Independent politician|Independent]] (before 2018)
| education          = {{ubl|[[St Callixtus College, La Paz|San Calixto School]]|San Estanislao de Kotska School}}
| alma_mater         = {{ubl|[[Complutense University of Madrid]]|[[Higher University of San Andrés]]}}
| occupation         = {{hlist|Historian|journalist|politician}}
| awards             = [[List of awards and honors received by Carlos Mesa|List of awards and honors]]
| signature          = Signature of Carlos Mesa.svg
| website            = {{ubl|{{URL|carlosdmesa.com}}|{{URL|bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com}}}}
| module             = {{Listen
| embed              = yes
| title              = Carlos Mesa's voice
| filename           = Carlos Mesa - Bolivia en elecciones, una mirada de presente y de futuro.ogg
| description        = Academic presentation delivered to a session of the Argentine Council for International Relations, 13 March 2019.
}}
}}
'''Carlos Diego de Mesa Gisbert'''{{efn|In [[Spanish language|Spanish]] [[orthography]], the paternal [[surname]] is {{nowrap|de Mesa}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-24 |title=Padrón electoral biométrico y militancia: Carlos Diego de Mesa Gisbert |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:(Carlos_D._Mesa_Gisbert)_Biometric_Electoral_Roll_%26_Political_Militancy.png |access-date=2022-06-23 |website=yoparticipo.oep.org.bo |publisher=[[Plurinational Electoral Organ]] |language=es |publication-place=La Paz}}</ref> The [[nobiliary particle]] {{lang|es|de}} is omitted by most publications and by Mesa himself.}} ({{IPA|es|ˈkaɾlos ˈðjeɣo ˈmesa xisˈβeɾt|-|Carlos Mesa.ogg|lang}}; born 12 August 1953) is a Bolivian historian, journalist, and politician who served as the 63rd [[president of Bolivia]] from 2003 to 2005. As an [[independent politician]], he had previously served as the 37th [[vice president of Bolivia]] from 2002 to 2003 under [[Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada]] and was the international spokesman for [[Obligation to Negotiate Access to the Pacific Ocean|Bolivia's lawsuit against Chile]] in the [[International Court of Justice]] from 2014 to 2018. A member of the [[Revolutionary Left Front (Bolivia)|Revolutionary Left Front]], he has served as leader of [[Civic Community]], the largest opposition parliamentary group in Bolivia, since 2018.

<!-- Early life and career -->
Born in [[La Paz]], Mesa began a twenty-three-year-long journalistic career after graduating from university. He rose to national fame in 1983 as the host of ''De Cerca'', in which he interviewed prominent figures of Bolivian political and cultural life. His popular appeal led former president Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada of the [[Revolutionary Nationalist Movement]] (MNR) to invite him to be his [[running mate]] in the [[2002 Bolivian general election|2002 presidential election]]. Though Mesa's [[Centre-left politics|moderate left-wing]] sympathies contrasted with [[Centre-right politics|centre-right]] policies of the MNR, he accepted the offer, running as an independent in a hotly contested electoral campaign. The Sánchez de Lozada-Mesa ticket won the election, and, on 6 August, Mesa took charge of a largely ceremonial office that carried with it few formal powers save for guaranteeing the constitutional line of succession. Shortly into his term, conflict between Sánchez de Lozada and Mesa arose. By October 2003, the increasingly tense situation surrounding the ongoing [[Bolivian gas conflict|gas conflict]] caused a definitive break in relations between the president and vice president, leading the latter to announce his withdrawal from government after clashes between protesters and military personnel led to several deaths. Crucially, Mesa opted not to resign from his vice-presidential post and succeeded to the presidency upon Sánchez de Lozada's resignation.

<!-- Presidency -->
Mesa assumed office with broadly popular civic support but leading a government without a party base and devoid of organic parliamentary support left him with little room to maneuver as his public policy proposals were severely restricted by the legislature—controlled by traditional parties and increasingly organized regional and social movements spearheaded by the ''[[cocalero]]'' activist and future president [[Evo Morales]]. As promised, he held a [[2004 Bolivian gas referendum|national referendum on gas]] which passed with high margins on all five counts. Nonetheless, widespread dissatisfaction resurged, and his call for a binding referendum on autonomies and the convocation of a [[Bolivian Constituent Assembly|constituent assembly]] to reform the [[Constitution of Bolivia|Constitution]] failed to quell unrest. Mesa resigned in June 2005, though not before ensuring that the heads of the two legislative chambers renounced their succession rights, facilitating the assumption of the non-partisan [[Supreme Court of Bolivia|Supreme Court]] judge [[Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé]] to the presidency. <!-- Post-presidency; Maritime lawsuit-->With that, Mesa withdrew from active politics and returned his focus to various media projects and journalistic endeavors. In 2014, despite previous animosity, President Morales appointed him as the international spokesman for the country's maritime lawsuit against Chile before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a position he held until the final ruling at [[The Hague]] in 2018.

<!-- Leader of Civic Community -->
Mesa's work for the maritime cause propelled him back into the national consciousness, and he soon emerged as a viable alternative to Morales as a contender for the presidency, even surpassing the president in electoral preference polls. Shortly after the ruling by the ICJ, Mesa announced his presidential candidacy. In the [[2019 Bolivian general election|2019 election]], Mesa was defeated by Morales, who failed to garner a majority but won a wide enough [[Plurality (voting)|plurality]] to avoid a [[Two-round system|runoff]]. However, irregularities in the preliminary vote tally prompted Mesa to denounce [[electoral fraud]] and call for [[2019 Bolivian protests|mass demonstrations]], ultimately ending in Morales' resignation and an ensuing [[2019 Bolivian political crisis|political crisis]]. The following year, [[2020 Bolivian general election|snap elections]] were held, but numerous postponements and an unpopular [[Jeanine Áñez|transitional government]] hampered Mesa's campaign, resulting in a first-round loss to [[Movement for Socialism (Bolivia)|Movement for Socialism]] (MAS) candidate [[Luis Arce]]. Mesa emerged from the election as the head of the largest opposition bloc in a legislature that does not hold a MAS [[supermajority]] for the first time in over a decade.

== Early life and career ==
=== Early life and education ===
[[File:Carlos Mesa - Family (1965 photograph) Biblioteca Virtual Carlos D. Mesa.jpg|thumb|alt=Carlos Mesa with his family|Mesa with his family in 1965.]]
Carlos Mesa was born on 12 August 1953 in [[La Paz]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cárdenas|first=José Arturo|date=2020-10-18|title=Carlos Mesa, un reincidente en la política boliviana que pelea por un balotaje|language=es|work=[[Infobae]]|publication-place=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2020/10/18/carlos-mesa-un-reincidente-en-la-politica-boliviana-que-pelea-por-un-balotaje/|access-date=2021-12-07|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208064951/https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2020/10/18/carlos-mesa-un-reincidente-en-la-politica-boliviana-que-pelea-por-un-balotaje/|url-status=live}}</ref> Through his father, [[:es:José de Mesa|José de Mesa]], he is of [[Spaniards|Spanish]] descent; his grandfather, José Mesa Sánchez, emigrated to Bolivia from [[Alcalá la Real]] in 1910. Due to his heritage, in 2005, the city's council unanimously designated Mesa as the adoptive son of the municipality.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Donaire|first=Ginés|date=2005-02-09|title=El presidente de Bolivia, Hijo Adoptivo de Alcalá la Real por sus orígenes|language=es|work=[[El País]]|publication-place=Madrid|url=https://elpais.com/diario/2005/02/10/andalucia/1107991349_850215.html|access-date=2021-12-16|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209194806/https://elpais.com/diario/2005/02/10/andalucia/1107991349_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His mother, [[Teresa Gisbert]], was of [[Catalans|Catalan]] descent; her father and mother emigrated from [[Barcelona]] and [[Alicante]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bouysse-Cassagne|first=Thèrése|date=2018-03-01|title=In Memoriam: Teresa Gisbert (1926–2018)|url=https://ifea.hypotheses.org/tag/teresa-gisbert|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-07|website=ifea.hypotheses.org|language=fr|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208074418/https://ifea.hypotheses.org/tag/teresa-gisbert}}</ref> Together, de Mesa and Gisbert were two of the most prominent Bolivian architects, historians, and [[Museology|museologists]] of their time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-02-19 |title=¿Quién fue Teresa Gisbert de Mesa? |language=es |work=[[El Deber]] |publication-place=Santa Cruz de la Sierra |url=https://eldeber.com.bo/escenas/quien-fue-teresa-gisbert-de-mesa_41533 |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208064957/https://eldeber.com.bo/escenas/quien-fue-teresa-gisbert-de-mesa_41533 |archive-date=8 December 2021}}</ref> He has three younger siblings: Andrés, Isabel, and Teresa Guiomar.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-07-23 |title=Fallece José Mesa Figueroa, notable historiador del país |language=es |work=[[Opinión]] |publication-place=Cochabamba |url=https://www.opinion.com.bo/articulo/cultura/fallece-jose-mesa-figueroa-notable-historiador-pais/20100723233651348769.html |url-status=live |access-date=2021-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208073546/https://www.opinion.com.bo/articulo/cultura/fallece-jose-mesa-figueroa-notable-historiador-pais/20100723233651348769.html |archive-date=8 December 2021}}</ref>

Between 1959 and 1970, Mesa completed primary and began secondary studies at the all-boys [[Independent school|private]] [[Catholic school|Catholic]] and [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit]] [[St Callixtus College, La Paz|San Calixto School]] in the Següencoma barrio of La Paz.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mesa |first=Carlos |date=2020-12-27 |title=50 años después... ¡los que más, los que más nos divertimos! |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/miradas/2020/12/27/50-anos-despues-los-que-mas-los-que-mas-nos-divertimos-279234.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208074633/https://www.paginasiete.bo/miradas/2020/12/27/50-anos-despues-los-que-mas-los-que-mas-nos-divertimos-279234.html |archive-date=8 December 2021}}</ref> In 1970, he traveled abroad to Spain, completing his high school education at the San Estanislao de Kotska School in [[Madrid]]. After graduating, Mesa entered the [[Complutense University of Madrid]], pursuing majors in [[political science]] and [[Bachelor of Letters|letters]]. After three years, he returned to Bolivia, where he enrolled in the [[Higher University of San Andrés]] (UMSA), graduating with a degree in literature in 1978.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|date=2019-10-21|title=Quién es Carlos Mesa, el primer adversario en hacerle sombra a Evo Morales que podría presidir Bolivia|language=es|work=[[El Cronista]]|publication-place=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.cronista.com/internacionales/Quien-es-Carlos-Mesa-el-primer-adversario-en-hacerle-sombra-a-Evo-Morales-que-podria-presidir-Bolivia-20191021-0009.html|access-date=2021-12-07|archive-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128155059/https://www.cronista.com/internacionales/Quien-es-Carlos-Mesa-el-primer-adversario-en-hacerle-sombra-a-Evo-Morales-que-podria-presidir-Bolivia-20191021-0009.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During his stay there, in 1974, he directed the UMSA's Faculty of Humanities magazine.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2017-11-24|title=Curriculum Vitae de CARLOS D. MESA GISBERT {{!}} Ex-Presidente de la República de Bolivia|url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/curriculum/curriculum/1|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-07|website=Biblioteca Virtual Carlos D. Mesa|language=es|publication-place=La Paz|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609031832/https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/curriculum/curriculum/1}}</ref>

[[File:Carlos Mesa - Student (1971 photograph) Biblioteca Virtual Carlos D. Mesa.jpg|left|thumb|alt=Carlos Mesa sits in front of a wall|Mesa, aged 18, as a student at the Complutense University of Madrid.]]

At the age of twenty-two, Mesa married Patricia Flores Soto, though they divorced three years later. Two years after that, on 28 March 1980, he married Elvira Salinas Gamarra, a psychologist and environmental consultant with whom he has two children: Borja Ignacio and Guiomar.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rojas |first=Fernanda |date=2019-10-12 |title=Carlos Mesa: El perfil desconocido del rival de Evo Morales |language=es |work=[[La Tercera]] |publication-place=Santiago |url=https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-domingo/noticia/carlos-mesa-perfil-desconocido-del-rival-evo-morales/857514/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=2021-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810162235/https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-domingo/noticia/carlos-mesa-perfil-desconocido-del-rival-evo-morales/857514/ |archive-date=2020-08-10}}</ref>

=== Journalistic career ===
==== Film critic and archivist ====
On 12 July 1976, while still a student of the UMSA, Mesa, along with Pedro Susz and Amalia de Gallardo, helped found the Bolivian [[Cinematheque]]. With the support of Renzo Cotta of the Center of Cinematographic Orientation and La Paz Mayor Mario Mercado, the group secured a small amount of space on the fifth floor of the La Paz House of Culture in order to start their film archive. The first addition to the collection was a short film directed by Jorge Ruiz Laredo about the violinist [[Jaime Laredo]], which was donated by the pianist Raúl Barragán.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cazas |first=Anahí |date=2016-07-08 |title=Cinemateca festeja 40 años con reconocimientos a Mesa y Susz |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/cultura/2016/7/8/cinemateca-festeja-anos-reconocimientos-mesa-susz-102107.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208170822/https://www.paginasiete.bo/cultura/2016/7/8/cinemateca-festeja-anos-reconocimientos-mesa-susz-102107.html |archive-date=8 December 2021}}</ref> Along with Susz, Mesa served as the cinematheque's executive director from its foundation until 1985, remaining a member of its board of directors after that.<ref name=":1" />

==== Radio host and producer ====
Mesa's first foray into radio occurred in 1969, concomitantly his first journalistic endeavor. Through his father, he secured a three-month internship for Radio Universo, where he would haul portable tape recorders to ministerial press conferences before returning and cutting the recorded material for broadcast use. In 1974, with the help of Universo head Lorenzo Carri, Mesa became the independent producer and host of a program on Radio Méndez. After a brief return to Universo in 1976, Mesa moved on to Radio Metropolitana, where, together with Roberto Melogno, he produced the morning newscast ''25 Minutos en el Mundo''. In 1979, Mesa's meager cinematheque salary pushed him to seek more dedicated journalistic work. Together with Carri, he joined Radio Cristal, owned by Mario Castro. The pair's presentational style evolved from simple news coverage to commentary and analysis and, finally, [[opinion journalism]]. Abruptly shuttered by the military government of [[Luis García Meza]], the station was reopened after his fall and, between 1982 and 1985, had grown to become the country's top news network.<ref name=":3">{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|1993|pp=1–2}}</ref>

==== Television presenter ====
After a brief stint as sub-director of the evening periodical ''[[Última Hora (Bolivia)|Última Hora]]'' between 1982 and 1983, Mesa made his first television debut. In that period, the only major competition to state outlets came from university television. [[Televisión Universitaria UMSA|Channel 13 Televisión Universitaria (TVU)]], directed by Luis González Quintanilla, played a particularly important role in the country's political process. In 1982, amid the country's democratic transition and the reopening of independent media, González invited Mesa to a panel on one of TVU's programs. Impressed by the young journalist, González called on him to take charge of a culture-themed talk show. Though ''Diálogos en Vivo'' ran for only three months, it proved to be the basis for what later became the program that spotlighted Mesa as a national television personality.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|1993|p=3}}</ref>

The name of that program came to be known as ''De Cerca''. The concept of the show—formulated by Bolivian National Television officials Julio Barragán and Carlos Soria—combined formal interviews of Bolivian political figures with a section in which recorded questions from ordinary citizens were relayed by the host to the guest. In mid-1983, Mesa was called on to host the show, an offer he "accepted without question". ''De Cerca'' premiered on 15 September 1983, with Minister of Planning Roberto Jordan Pando as its first guest. The show premiered at a time of a severe [[hyperinflation]] crisis in the country; Mesa's salary frequently spent long periods through the bureaucracy of the [[Ministry of Economy and Public Finance (Bolivia)|Ministry of Finance]], often being delivered two or three months late. His final payment from the company, delivered in July 1985, totaled [[Bolivian peso|b$]]63.5 million due to inflation.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|1993|pp=3–4}}</ref>

Save for the eventual removal of prerecorded questions, which Mesa stated "broke the continuity of the program, and also limited the topic of the conversation to excessively circumstantial issues", the style and presentation of ''De Cerca'' remained largely unchanged for two decades and between four channels, lending it a sense of "permanence in time". Throughout its run, the program spotlighted a large majority of the most relevant political actors of the period; to be invited onto the show eventually became a mark of national prominence. Of those interviewed included every president of the country who governed during the show's run, as well as some prior ones, with the exception of [[Víctor Paz Estenssoro]] and [[Hernán Siles Zuazo]], neither of whom, with few exceptions, ever accepted invitations to any television program. For Mesa, the omission of these two figures was "a great void in ''De Cerca'' that I will never finish regretting".<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|1993|pp=4–5}}</ref>

===== Foundation of PAT =====
[[File:Mesa, Carlos -MBFI 02.JPG|thumb|alt=Carlos Mesa speaks into a microphone|Mesa discusses his book ''Soliloquio del Conquistador'' at the [[Miami Book Fair International|Miami Book Fair]], 2014.|270x270px]]
On 1 August 1990, Mesa, together with fellow journalists Mario Espinoza and Amalia Pando and financially assisted by Ximena Valdivia, launched [[Red PAT|Associated Journalists Television]] (''Periodistas Asociados Televisión''; PAT). The concept of the network, then an audiovisual production company, came from the hope of establishing a newscast free of government oversight and censors. Starting from 15 September, PAT began broadcasting public news coverage to the country. In 1992, the government of [[Jaime Paz Zamora]] closed the State television company in favor of a contract with PAT, ratified by the succeeding government of [[Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada]]. Despite the State's financial support, Mesa's team of journalists took great care to maintain a level of objectivity in their reporting. Responding to questions regarding bias, Pando admits that both she and Mesa supported many of the policies of Sánchez de Lozada's first term but rejects the notion that this constituted "a tie" to the government.{{efn|It has been recorded that until 1989, Mesa's positions were in favor of the Revolutionary Nationalist Movement—the party of Paz Estenssoro and later Sánchez de Lozada—in 66.7 percent of cases. During the run of ''De Cerca'', Sánchez de Lozada was one of the most frequent guests on the program, with fifteen appearances. Still, Oscar Eid and Jaime Paz Zamora—two of Sánchez de Lozada's primary political opponents—were also recurring guests with six appearances each. As noted by ''Página Siete'': "The data measure Mesa's sympathies, but also illustrate his condition as a journalist, forced to be plural and invite even those who did not like him to speak".<ref name=":PS-1">{{Cite news|last=Archondo|first=Rafael|date=2019-08-16|title=La historia de PAT|language=es|work=[[Página Siete]]|url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/gente/2019/8/16/la-historia-de-pat-227631.html|access-date=2021-12-17|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218023253/https://www.paginasiete.bo/gente/2019/8/16/la-historia-de-pat-227631.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

Despite its early success, a compounding set of issues began to mount onto the channel. Viewing the newscast as an outlet for the opposition, the government of [[Hugo Banzer]] initiated a boycott. This, coupled with an [[Recession|economic recession]] and a series of well-done but largely unpopular new programs, sent PAT into a financial crisis. According to Pando, Mesa's vice-presidential candidacy had "devastating consequences" for the channel's credibility as an independent news source. In 2007, the company was sold to businessman Abdallah Daher, who thereafter sold it to Comercializadora Multimedia del Sur. Only the name remains with the original channel.<ref name=":PS-1"/>

==== Press columnist ====
Mesa's longest-held editorial post was as a regular contributor to the sports supplements of the morning papers ''Hoy'', ''Presencia'', ''Viva'', and ''La Prensa''; he published for these outlets between 1976 and 2002. Between 1979 and 1986, he worked as a film critic for the La Paz prints ''Apertura'' (1979), ''Hoy'' (1981–1982), and ''Última Hora'' (1983–1986). From 2010 to 2017, he remained a regular editor-at-large for the morning newspapers ''[[El Deber]]'', ''El Nuevo Sur'', ''El Potosí'', ''[[Correo del Sur]]'', ''La Palabra'', ''La Patria'', ''[[Los Tiempos]]'', ''[[Página Siete]]'', and ''Sol de Pando''. In addition, Mesa has written columns for international outlets such as the Spanish ''[[Diario 16]]'' and ''[[El País]]'', the American ''[[Foreign Policy]]'', and Germany's ''[[Der Spiegel]]''.<ref name=":1" />

== Vice presidency (2002–2003) ==
=== Entry into politics ===
As a prominent journalist in the field of politics, the prospect of actually participating in affairs of state was an option often proposed by outside voices but which Mesa—a staunch [[Independent politician|independent]] despite his moderate left-wing sympathies—routinely refused to consider. His first experience refusing the call to serve came in 1986 when President Paz Estenssoro invited him to be a component of his cabinet as minister of information. Despite his stated admiration of the president, Mesa declined the offer the following day, citing his perceived inadequacy to hold the position. In the ensuing years, on various occasions, Mesa declined offers by various parties to run for vice president, mayor of La Paz, or senator. In the [[1993 Bolivian general election|1993 election]], then-candidate Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada had placed Mesa on a list of pre-candidates for the [[Revolutionary Nationalist Movement]] (MNR)'s vice-presidential nomination. The [[Aymara people|Aymara]] activist [[Víctor Hugo Cárdenas]] was ultimately chosen and elected as the country's first [[Indigenous peoples in Bolivia|indigenous]] vice president.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|pp=31–32}}</ref>

=== From no to yes: Mesa accepts ===
[[File:Gonzálo Sánchez de Lozada-Agencia BrasilAntonio Cruz.jpg|thumb|alt=Gonzálo Sánchez de Lozada speaks into a microphone|Mesa served as vice president under Gonzálo Sánchez de Lozada but broke with him after the government repressions of October 2003.]]
With elections set for June 2002, the possibility of being presented as a political candidate was once again laid on Mesa. Seeking a turnaround after its electoral defeat in the [[1997 Bolivian general election|1997 general election]], the MNR opted to renominate its national chief, ex-president Sánchez de Lozada, as the party's presidential candidate. For his new bid, Sánchez de Lozada surrounded his campaign with American political consultants of the [[Greenberg Carville Shrum]] (GCS) strategy group, who employed [[focus group]]s and [[Opinion poll|public opinion polls]] to revitalize his public image.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Forero|first=Juan|author-link=Juan Forero|date=2006-02-26|title=The (American) Selling of the (Bolivian) President, 2002|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|location=Bogotá|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/26/movies/the-american-selling-of-the-bolivian-president-2002.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-12-18|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218030950/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/26/movies/the-american-selling-of-the-bolivian-president-2002.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In January, Mesa received a call from the ex-president asking him to meet with members of the GCS team to discuss the results of a recent poll. Mesa's suspicions that the subject of the survey would regard political candidates were confirmed when two consultants—Jeremy Rosner and Amy Webber—met him at his office at PAT, presenting the journalist with results showing him with the highest favorability among a list of a dozen national figures.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=32}}</ref>

For Mesa, the festering social conflicts of twenty-first-century Bolivia necessitated a political renewal: "Paz Zamora and Sánchez de Lozada were history, their political cycle had finished, and they were prolonging it artificially and unnecessarily". If he were to become a contestant in electoral politics, he reasoned, it would be under a movement of his own design and certainly not as vice president, a post he described as "the stupidest position of all{{nbsp}}... An office with a single objective, that of succession, with few clear powers". In meetings with Sánchez de Lozada, Mesa expressed this point, emphasizing that the MNR required younger generations among its ranks and suggesting himself as a possible alternative presidential candidate, an idea that the MNR shot down due to his political and economic inexperience.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|pp=33–38}}</ref>

Among other considerations for Mesa were the notion of ending an almost twenty-five-year career in journalism—including the abandonment of PAT—and the perceived adverse effects assuming the vice presidency would have on his family. For these reasons, on 31 January, Mesa informed Sánchez de Lozada that he would not join the ex-president as his running mate. Two days later, however, Mesa was called to one last meeting with [[Carlos Sánchez Berzaín]], the MNR's campaign manager, who outlined three final arguments for consideration: Sánchez de Lozada was the only candidate with the capacity to alleviate the ongoing economic crisis; Mesa could not continue in his comfortable position commentating on the sidelines of politics; the MNR's campaign team considered the inclusion or exclusion of Mesa as the deciding factor in the party's electoral outcome. It was either "with me or with me{{nbsp}}... [and] everything else was a disaster". These points renewed doubts in Mesa, who, ultimately, apprehensively accepted the invitation just a day before the National Convention of the MNR was set to announce its presidential binomial.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|pp=40–41}}</ref>

==== The PAT factor ====
According to Mauricio Balcázar—former minister and son-in-law to Sánchez de Lozada—the MNR paid Mesa over US$800,000 in ten installments between the 2002 campaign and October 2003 in exchange for his vice-presidential candidacy. As alleged by Balcázar, on the day of the MNR Convention, Mesa demanded the payment and an initial guarantee check of US$200,000 for his television channel PAT, threatening to withdraw his nomination if the party did not comply. For Balcázar, this constituted "extortion"—although he did not realize it at the time—because the MNR had no time to seek an alternative candidate.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-08-02 |title=Balcázar: En algunos casos, sabemos quién le entregaba a Mesa y cuánto dinero |language=es |work=Urgente.bo |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://urgente.bo/noticia/balc%C3%A1zar-en-algunos-casos-sabemos-qui%C3%A9n-le-entregaba-mesa-y-cu%C3%A1nto-dinero |url-status=live |access-date=2021-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218080116/https://urgente.bo/noticia/balc%C3%A1zar-en-algunos-casos-sabemos-qui%C3%A9n-le-entregaba-mesa-y-cu%C3%A1nto-dinero |archive-date=18 December 2021}}</ref>{{efn|Mesa contradicts this, stating that, on the day of the Convention, Sánchez Berzaín had specifically brought in [[René Joaquino]] from [[Potosí]] as a backup candidate in the event that he "ran" at the last minute. Joaquino confirmed that he was present on that date but states he was only there to confirm a previous rejection of the offer.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2014-07-11|title=Joaquino dice que estuvo en casa de Goni para rechazar una candidatura|language=es|work=Erbol {{!}} Archivo|url=https://anteriorportal.erbol.com.bo/noticia/politica/11072014/joaquino_dice_que_estuvo_en_casa_de_goni_para_rechazar_una_candidatura|access-date=2021-12-18|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218202431/https://anteriorportal.erbol.com.bo/noticia/politica/11072014/joaquino_dice_que_estuvo_en_casa_de_goni_para_rechazar_una_candidatura|url-status=live}}</ref>}} An investigation carried out by analyst Carlos Valverde uncovered documents proving deposits totaling Bs6 million (US$831,454) into the bank account of PAT starting in mid-2002 and ending in October 2003. A majority of the transactions were recorded as loans to PAT by the Itaca company, the owner of ninety-nine percent of the channel's share quotas; in effect, a self-grant that raised [[money laundering]] concerns.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Martínez |first=Emilio |date=2019-07-26 |title=Canal de Mesa recibió 6 millones de Bs., coincidiendo con información sobre 'venta de candidatura' |work=eju! |publication-place=Santa Cruz de la Sierra |url=https://eju.tv/2019/07/canal-de-mesa-recibio-6-millones-de-bs-coincidiendo-con-informacion-sobre-venta-de-candidatura/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218080057/https://eju.tv/2019/07/canal-de-mesa-recibio-6-millones-de-bs-coincidiendo-con-informacion-sobre-venta-de-candidatura/ |archive-date=18 December 2021}}</ref> For his part, Mesa refused to make a definitive statement on the allegations during his 2019 presidential bid, asserting that he would not respond to the "dirty war" being waged by his electoral opponents. At the same time, he affirmed that it was "based on false testimonies, on false investigations, and on the fact that, if it was an irregular act, it was carried out more than sixteen years ago".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-09-26|title=Mesa sobre acusación de lavado de dinero: De haber sido un hecho irregular, ya prescribió|language=es|work=[[Los Tiempos]]|publication-place=Cochabamba|url=https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/pais/20190926/mesa-acusacion-lavado-dinero-haber-sido-hecho-irregular-ya-prescribio|access-date=2021-12-18|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218080107/https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/pais/20190926/mesa-acusacion-lavado-dinero-haber-sido-hecho-irregular-ya-prescribio|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2002 general election ====
{{Main|2002 Bolivian general election}}
The MNR closed its Extraordinary National Convention on 3 February with the announcement of Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada as the party's presidential candidate, accompanied by Carlos Mesa as his non-partisan running mate. Accepting the nomination, Mesa cited resolving the economic crisis and fighting [[Corruption in Bolivia|institutional corruption]] as the main factors in his decision to join the electoral binomial.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2002-02-03|title=Elecciones generales: 'Goni' y Carlos Mesa son los candidatos del MNR|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/elecciones-generales-goni-y-carlos-mesa-son-los-candidatos-del-mnr-80297|access-date=2021-12-17|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218023955/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/elecciones-generales-goni-y-carlos-mesa-son-los-candidatos-del-mnr-80297|url-status=live}}</ref> At first glance, election day on 30 June yielded an electoral victory for the Sánchez de Lozada-Mesa ticket amid a well-conducted and orderly process, generally accepted by the contending parties and their supporters. But with a plurality of just 22.5 percent, the MNR emerged as the only traditional party that could claim a modicum of popular support. Second and third place, respectively, went to the [[Movement for Socialism (Bolivia)|Movement for Socialism]] (MAS-IPSP) of the indigenous ''[[cocalero]]'' activist [[Evo Morales]] and the [[New Republican Force]] (NFR) of [[Cochabamba]] Mayor [[Manfred Reyes Villa]]; each of them took a twenty percent share of the vote. Paz Zamora's [[Revolutionary Left Movement (Bolivia)|Revolutionary Left Movement]] (MIR) came fourth with 16.3 percent, while [[Nationalist Democratic Action]] (ADN)—the party holding the incumbent presidency—did not even reach four percent.<ref>{{harvnb|Assies|Salman|2003|pp=1–2}}</ref> The blow to the country's traditional party system resulted in a tense runoff in which Sánchez de Lozada was forced to form an unlikely coalition with Paz Zamora in order to shore up a majority of congressional support. With eighty-four votes in their favor, Congress elected Sánchez de Lozada and Mesa as the constitutional president and vice president on 4 August, taking office two days later.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Enver|first=Andrew|date=2002-08-02|title=Rivals in Bolivia Forge Alliance|language=en-US|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|location=La Paz|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-aug-02-fg-bolivia2-story.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-12-18|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218213457/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-aug-02-fg-bolivia2-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Faiola|first=Anthony|date=2002-08-05|title=Bolivia's Ex-President Regains Post|language=en-US|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2002/08/05/bolivias-ex-president-regains-post/55f24890-331e-4e88-b609-5cde248f5422/|access-date=2021-12-18|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113060532/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2002/08/05/bolivias-ex-president-regains-post/55f24890-331e-4e88-b609-5cde248f5422/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== A frustrated vice presidency ===
==== The fight against corruption ====
[[File:Vicepresidente Carlos Mesa Gisbert.jpg|thumb|alt=Carlos Mesa poses for a studio portrait|Official vice-presidential portrait, 2002.|288x288px]]
In keeping with his campaign promise to make [[Anti-corruption|fighting corruption]] the central point of his administration, Mesa, on 11 August 2002, launched the Technical Unit against Corruption under the leadership of the journalist [[Lupe Cajías]]. The unit was set as a component of the Vice Presidency, operating independently of the Prosecutor's Office.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2002-08-20|title=Mesa: Unidad de Lucha contra la Corrupción para realizar su trabajo|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-unidad-de-lucha-contra-la-corrupcion-para-realizar-su-trabajo-63587|access-date=2021-12-20|archive-date=20 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220113027/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-unidad-de-lucha-contra-la-corrupcion-para-realizar-su-trabajo-63587|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to Cajías, it was composed of a "petite cabinet" consisting of José Galindo, Jorge Cortés, and [[:es:Alfonso Ferrufino|Alfonso Ferrufino]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2002-09-29|title=Anticorrupción: Lupe Cajías presentará su primera evaluación mensual|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/anticorrupcion-lupe-cajias-presentara-su-primera-evaluacion-mensual-70413|access-date=2021-12-20|archive-date=20 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220113034/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/anticorrupcion-lupe-cajias-presentara-su-primera-evaluacion-mensual-70413|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 August 2003, the post was refounded as the Secretariat of the Fight against Corruption, which Mesa credited to be "without doubt the greatest contribution of my [vice presidential] management".<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=56}}</ref> Two days after his assumption to the presidency, Mesa elevated the secretariat to the high executive level as the Presidential Anticorruption Delegation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bolivia {{!}} Legal Cooperation Department|url=http://www.oas.org/juridico/spanish/mec_avance_bolV.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-20|website=[[Organization of American States]]|language=es|archive-date=20 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220113021/http://www.oas.org/juridico/spanish/mec_avance_bolV.pdf}}</ref>

Mesa's anti-corruption efforts were not without criticism. A year into her administration, Cajías admitted that her team had "barely scratched corruption" and that the post suffered "structural issues".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-08-11 |title=Cajías dice que apenas le hizo un rasguño a la corrupción |language=es |work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/cajias-dice-que-apenas-le-hizo-un-rasguno-a-la-corrupcion-74692 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220113029/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/cajias-dice-que-apenas-le-hizo-un-rasguno-a-la-corrupcion-74692 |archive-date=20 December 2021}}</ref> One such issue was the lack of coordination between the secretariat and other parts of the judicial system; prosecutors annulled various cases presented by her office, and the ambiguity of the office's functions eventually relegated it to issuing opinions and periodically publishing public reports on alleged acts of corruption.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Siles|first=Andrés Manuel|date=2019-11-06|title=Discurso y corrupción|language=es|work=[[La Razón (La Paz)|La Razón]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.la-razon.com/politico/2019/11/06/discurso-y-corrupcion/|access-date=2021-12-20|archive-date=20 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220113025/https://www.la-razon.com/politico/2019/11/06/discurso-y-corrupcion/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mesa attributed many of the shortfalls of his anti-corruption work to a lack of cooperation from the president. One example came in July 2003 when Secretary Cajías issued Report N° 13. A contingent of conscripts and 180 soldiers of the [[Bolivian Army]] had been illegally forced to work harvesting [[Ricinus|Macororó]] on the Santa Monica farm in the [[Chiquitos Province]] of [[Santa Cruz Department (Bolivia)|Santa Cruz]] for no wage and in conditions of general servitude.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Rojas Ríos|first=César|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bfxXK5gnxXYC|title=Democracia de alta tensión: conflictividad y cambio social en la Bolivia del siglo XXI|publisher=Plural Editores|year=2007|isbn=978-99954-1-075-9|location=La Paz|pages=108|language=es|access-date=5 January 2022}}</ref> The case implicated Minister of Defense Freddy Teodovich and Santa Cruz Prefect Mario Justiniano. For this reason, on 10 July, Mesa met with Sánchez de Lozada to request the dismissal of Teodovich, an action the president refused to take because the minister was an influential component of the cabinet and the MNR. Mesa considered this a revocation of the president's promise to allow him to freely take anti-corruption measures, and the incident served to aggravate festering grievances between the two.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=64}}</ref>

==== Black February ====
{{Main|2003 La Paz riots}}
February 2003 presented the first significant ordeal that shook Mesa's confidence in the government. On the ninth, President Sánchez de Lozada, under pressure from the [[International Monetary Fund]] to significantly reduce the country's [[Government budget balance|fiscal deficit]], presented a new tax bill that, among other factors, imposed a [[Payroll tax|salary tax]] on workers making a certain threshold of income. The response was near-universal outrage and a series of protests that after a few days were joined by the [[Law enforcement in Bolivia|National Police Corps]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Crespo|first=Luis|date=2003-02-10|title=Bolivia: impuesto polemico|language=es|work=[[BBC Mundo]]|publication-place=London|url=https://news-bbc-co-uk.translate.goog/hi/spanish/business/newsid_2746000/2746057.stm?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc|access-date=2021-12-19|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219081722/https://news-bbc-co-uk.translate.goog/hi/spanish/business/newsid_2746000/2746057.stm?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_sch=http|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Gori|first=Graham|date=2003-02-13|title=14 killed in Bolivian riots|language=en-UK|work=[[The Guardian]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|publication-place=London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/feb/13/1|access-date=2021-12-18|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218233700/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/feb/13/1|url-status=live}}</ref> Given the absence of law enforcement, the demonstrations quickly devolved into riots, which eventually forced government officials to flee their offices. In his account of events, Mesa states that "what I saw was hell". At 5:00&nbsp;p.m. on 12 February, Mesa, sequestered at the president's private residence, was informed that the Vice Presidency had been set aflame by vandals, an action he describes as "my apocalypse". "It seemed to me that all the illusions of public service I promised on 6 August upon taking office were shattered".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|date=2013-02-12|title=12 de Febrero de 2003. Diez Años Después. Mi Testimonio|url=https://carlosdmesa.com/2013/02/12/12-de-febrero-de-2003-diez-anos-despues-mi-testimonio/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-20|website=carlosdmesa.com|language=es|archive-date=20 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220084402/https://carlosdmesa.com/2013/02/12/12-de-febrero-de-2003-diez-anos-despues-mi-testimonio/}}
*{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|pp=58–63}}</ref>

=== Black October: Mesa pulls out ===
{{Main|Bolivian gas conflict}}
{{Quote box|width=25em|align=right|quote=A few days ago, my country lived through serious episodes of violence, which have forced us to reflect. We are aware of the fact that the last twenty-one years of democracy — the longest uninterrupted period in our history — are at stake as we face the legitimate pressure exercised by the marginalized sectors of our society, who deserve our attention{{nbsp}}... Loss of trust in these essential elements of democracy is one of the greatest dangers to the future of our society.|source=— Carlos Mesa, Address to the 58th [[United Nations General Assembly]], 24 September 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2003-09-24|title=U.N. GAOR, 58th Sess., 9th plen. mtg., U.N. Doc A/58/PV.9|url=https://undocs.org/en/A/58/PV.9|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-15|website=undocs.org|publisher=[[United Nations]]|location=New York City|page=26|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216051652/https://undocs.org/en/A/58/PV.9}}</ref>}}
By September, the simmering popular grievances of the time, mainly related to the export of [[Natural gas in Bolivia|natural gas]] to the United States through Chile, had ignited into nationwide social unrest. On 12 October, Mesa arrived in La Paz for a meeting with the president, flying in by helicopter due to the ongoing blockades making accessing the capital by land impossible.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Duran Conde|first=Jhouselinne Sandra|date=2019-06-18|title=Octubre Negro y los puros de Carlos Mesa|language=es|work=La Época|url=https://www.la-epoca.com.bo/2019/06/18/octubre-negro-y-los-puros-de-carlos-mesa/|access-date=2021-12-15|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216033912/https://www.la-epoca.com.bo/2019/06/18/octubre-negro-y-los-puros-de-carlos-mesa/|url-status=live}}</ref> At 1:34&nbsp;p.m., Mesa ate lunch with Sánchez de Lozada at the presidential residence in San Jorge, where he pleaded with the president to call a referendum on gas and open up the possibility of a [[constituent assembly]]. Sánchez de Lozada, whom Mesa describes as "the most stubborn man I have ever met", remained steadfast in his refusal to give in to social demands, causing the vice president to snap at him that "the dead are going to bury you".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Layme |first=Beatriz |date=2018-03-13 |title=Mesa advirtió a Goni en 2003: 'Los muertos te van a enterrar' |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/3/13/mesa-advirti-goni-2003-los-muertos-enterrar-172905.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216033908/https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/3/13/mesa-advirti-goni-2003-los-muertos-enterrar-172905.html |archive-date=16 December 2021}}</ref> Amid their heated discussion, the government's bloody suppression of demonstrations in [[El Alto]] began to count its first deaths. Reports of the massacre of protesters, which Mesa learned from the media, definitively ruptured relations between him and Sánchez de Lozada.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2009-11-25|title=Carlos Mesa advirtió a Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada 'los muertos te van a enterrar'|language=es|work=[[Los Tiempos]]|publication-place=Cochabamba|url=https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/nacional/20091125/carlos-mesa-advirtio-gonzalo-sanchez-lozada-muertos-te-van-enterrar|access-date=2021-12-13|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213114502/https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/nacional/20091125/carlos-mesa-advirtio-gonzalo-sanchez-lozada-muertos-te-van-enterrar|url-status=live}}</ref> The following day, the vice president publicly withdrew his support for the government. In his statement, Mesa outlined that the cost of human lives was something that his "conscience as a human being cannot tolerate", and he implored the government to "seek a position of dialogue and establish peace".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2003-10-13|title=Vicepresidente retira su apoyo al Presidente de Bolivia|language=es|work=[[Plainview Daily Herald]]|url=https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Vicepresidente-retira-su-apoyo-al-Presidente-de-9075818.php|access-date=2021-12-13|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213114503/https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Vicepresidente-retira-su-apoyo-al-Presidente-de-9075818.php|url-status=live}}</ref> At a press conference held three days later, he ratified his refusal to cooperate, stating: "I do not have the courage to kill, nor will I have the courage to kill tomorrow. For that reason, it is impossible to think about my return to government".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2003-10-16|title=Mesa no volverá, no ayudará a la polarización y pide diálogo patriótico.|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-no-volvera-no-ayudara-a-la-polarizacion-y-pide-dialogo-patriotico-79421|access-date=2021-12-13|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213114504/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-no-volvera-no-ayudara-a-la-polarizacion-y-pide-dialogo-patriotico-79421|url-status=live}}</ref>

Between the thirteenth and the seventeenth, Mesa withdrew to his private residence. Crucially, however, he determined not to resign from the vice presidency. He later recounted that the decision came from his memory of the [[December 2001 riots in Argentina|2001 crisis in Argentina]]. During that time, President [[Fernando de la Rúa]] resigned, causing a crisis of succession because Vice President [[Carlos Álvarez (Argentine politician)|Carlos Álvarez]], in protest, had vacated the office the year prior. According to Mesa: "If there was any value in the position, I thought, it was precisely guaranteeing democratic continuity in extreme cases".<ref name=":7">{{Cite news|last=Atahuichi|first=Rubén|date=2021-10-17|title=En 2003, Carlos Mesa juró bajo sucesión constitucional|language=es|work=[[La Razón (La Paz)|La Razón]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.la-razon.com/lr-en-la-memoria/2021/10/17/en-2003-mesa-juro-bajo-sucesion-constitucional/|access-date=2021-12-13|archive-date=5 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105040249/https://www.la-razon.com/lr-en-la-memoria/2021/10/17/en-2003-mesa-juro-bajo-sucesion-constitucional/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mesa's decision was met with harsh criticism by sectors still loyal to Sánchez de Lozada. Among the leadership of the MNR, it was made clear that the party was "upset with Mr. Carlos Mesa", while legislators of the MIR accused him of failing to fulfill his duty as a mediator between Congress and the government.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2003-10-18|title=Mesa, el periodista presidente|language=es|work=[[BBC Mundo]]|publication-place=London|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/latin_america/newsid_3202000/3202574.stm|access-date=2021-12-14|archive-date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214094106/http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/latin_america/newsid_3202000/3202574.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Edgar Zegarra: "he did not tell us absolutely anything about the decisions he was going to make", a fact which the MNR deputy claimed was a sign of "deep disloyalty" on Mesa's behalf.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-10-22|title=MNR: No hubo conspiración golpista contra Goni, pero Mesa fue desleal.|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mnr-no-hubo-conspiracion-golpista-contra-goni-pero-mesa-fue-desleal-30043|access-date=2021-12-14|archive-date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214094103/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mnr-no-hubo-conspiracion-golpista-contra-goni-pero-mesa-fue-desleal-30043|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the same time, on 14 October, the [[United States Department of State]] informed Mesa that the US "would not under any circumstances support a possible government headed by [him]". Two days later, US Ambassador [[David N. Greenlee]] personally met with Mesa at his home to request that he return to the government, which he refused to do.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Ortiz |first=Pablo |date=2013-10-13 |title=Insurrección de octubre: Goni se fue antes de ser colgado y Mesa esperó su momento para ser presidente |language=es |work=[[El Deber]] |publication-place=Santa Cruz de la Sierra |url=https://eju.tv/2013/10/insurreccin-de-octubre-goni-se-fue-antes-de-ser-colgado-y-mesa-esper-su-momento-para-ser-presidente/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214101118/https://eju.tv/2013/10/insurreccin-de-octubre-goni-se-fue-antes-de-ser-colgado-y-mesa-esper-su-momento-para-ser-presidente/ |archive-date=14 December 2021 |via=eju!}}</ref> Given that, Greenlee recounts asking Mesa that "if you can't support the president anymore, why don't you resign?". For the ambassador, the question was a "philosophical point, not a political one", but it nonetheless fomented an untrusting relationship between the two. At the end of their discussion, it was learned that the press had intercepted Greenlee's radio traffic and had gathered outside Mesa's home. Before television crews, the two spoke of a "friendly and constructive conversation", though Greenlee states that "it wasn't of that kind".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mendieta Romero |first=Gonzalo |date=2018-02-25 |title=Greenlee: 'Goni estaba contra las cuerdas' |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/ideas/2018/3/25/greenlee-goni-estaba-contra-las-cuerdas-173998.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216033852/https://www.paginasiete.bo/ideas/2018/3/25/greenlee-goni-estaba-contra-las-cuerdas-173998.html |archive-date=16 December 2021}}</ref> The following day, with it becoming increasingly clear that Sánchez de Lozada would soon step down, the Department of State conceded and informed Mesa that the US would support his succession.<ref name=":6" />

At midday on 17 October, Minister of the Presidency Guillermo Justiniano called Mesa to inform him that the president would soon resign and invited him to discuss conditions surrounding his departure. Mere hours later, however, Justiniano called again to tell Mesa that Sánchez de Lozada had already left the Palacio Quemado. At 6:00&nbsp;p.m., [[Hormando Vaca Díez]] and Oscar Arrien, presidents of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, visited Mesa to inform him that they would soon accept the president's resignation and that constitutional succession corresponded to him. At the same time, they insisted that he pledge to stay in office for the mandated term ending on 6 August 2007.<ref name=":6" />

== Presidency (2003–2005) ==
{{See also|Cabinet of Carlos Mesa}}

=== Without ballot boxes or rifles ===
{{External media|float=right|caption=Carlos Mesa delivers his inaugural address before the National Congress|headerimage=[[File:National Cockade of Bolivia.svg|alt=Bolivian national cockade|x40px|left]]|video1=[https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/videography/video/53 Discursos - Posesión del Pte. Carlos D. Mesa Gisbert]|topic=Swearing-in of President Carlos Mesa}}
Between 5:25&nbsp;p.m. and 10:30&nbsp;p.m., the presidency remained effectively vacant.<ref name=":7" /> At a plenary session of the National Congress, an overwhelming majority of ninety-seven to thirty legislators—with the exception of all but one member of the MNR—voted to accept Sánchez de Lozada's resignation.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jeter|first=Jon|date=2003-10-18|title=Protests Force Bolivian Leader to Resign|language=en-US|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2003/10/18/protests-force-bolivian-leader-to-resign/40cd44ad-700d-4fb5-9298-b3d87e319e38/|access-date=2021-12-14|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113060533/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2003/10/18/protests-force-bolivian-leader-to-resign/40cd44ad-700d-4fb5-9298-b3d87e319e38/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Assies|Salman|2003|p=66}}</ref> Vice President Mesa was subsequently sworn in as the 63rd president of Bolivia, assuming office through constitutional succession.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rohter|first=Larry|author-link=Larry Rohter|date=2003-10-18|title=Bolivian Leader Resigns and His Vice President Steps In|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/18/world/bolivian-leader-resigns-and-his-vice-president-steps-in.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-12-13|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213083810/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/18/world/bolivian-leader-resigns-and-his-vice-president-steps-in.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2003-10-17|title=Sin urnas ni fusiles Carlos Mesa asume el reto de unir al país.|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/sin-urnas-ni-fusiles-carlos-mesa-asume-el-reto-de-unir-al-pais-81614|access-date=2021-12-14|archive-date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214230031/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/sin-urnas-ni-fusiles-carlos-mesa-asume-el-reto-de-unir-al-pais-81614|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mesa opened his inaugural address with a conciliatory tone, emphasizing that "Bolivia is not yet a country among equals".<ref name=":8">{{Cite news|last=Relea|first=Francesc|date=2003-10-18|title=El nuevo presidente de Bolivia formará un Gobierno sin presencia de partidos políticos|language=es|work=[[El País]]|publication-place=Madrid|url=https://elpais.com/diario/2003/10/19/internacional/1066514404_850215.html|access-date=2021-12-13|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215010001/https://elpais.com/diario/2003/10/19/internacional/1066514404_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He outlined his intent to call for a binding referendum on gas exports, promised to review the privatization of hydrocarbons, and pledged to call for a constituent assembly to revise the [[Constitution of Bolivia|Constitution]] in hopes of addressing ethnic and regional divisions.<ref>{{harvnb|Assies|Salman|2003|pp=66–67}}</ref> These points became known as the "October Agenda" and composed the core of Mesa's government program during his presidency.<ref>{{harvnb|Arrarás|Deheza|2005|p=162}}</ref> His accession to office was largely well received by the country's social sectors, who heeded his request for demobilization and an end to the blockades.<ref name=":8"/> From Cochabamba, Evo Morales indicated that the ouster of Sánchez de Lozada was "just a small victory" but also expressed his willingness to support Mesa's policy initiatives.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news|last=Gray|first=Kevin|date=2003-10-17|title=Mesa presidente de Bolivia tras renuncia de Sánchez de Lozada|language=es|work=[[Laredo Morning Times]]|url=https://www.lmtonline.com/lmtenespanol/article/Mesa-presidente-de-Bolivia-tras-renuncia-de-10178681.php|access-date=2021-12-14|archive-date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214230041/https://www.lmtonline.com/lmtenespanol/article/Mesa-presidente-de-Bolivia-tras-renuncia-de-10178681.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2003-10-18|title=Sánchez de Lozada envió carta de renuncia al Congreso|language=es|work={{Lang|es|[[El Universo]]}}|publication-place=Guayaquil|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/2003/10/18/0001/14/5ADEE3029AD14FBEBF2DBE9ED4B9D88A.html/|access-date=2021-12-13|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213083810/https://www.eluniverso.com/2003/10/18/0001/14/5ADEE3029AD14FBEBF2DBE9ED4B9D88A.html/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mesa's investiture was met with far more skepticism among the traditional parties. His pledge to form a non-partisan cabinet devoid of participation from any political party adherents, which Mesa phrased as a "sacrifice" they would have to make, was a significant blow to their influence, described by one MNR deputy as "political suicide".<ref name=":8" /> The second shock came when Mesa announced his intent to bring his term to a conclusion before 2007, as legally prescribed. He called for a "transitional" government and left Congress responsible for setting a date for new elections.<ref name=":9" /> In January 2004, amid a high approval rating and broad popular support, Mesa retracted this promise and announced his intent to complete Sánchez de Lozada's term.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-01-22|title=From here to 2007, without falling?|language=en-US|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|location=Cochabamba and La Paz|url=https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2004/01/22/from-here-to-2007-without-falling|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-12-16|issn=0013-0613|archive-date=9 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109022208/https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2004/01/22/from-here-to-2007-without-falling|url-status=live}}</ref>

Entering the Palacio Quemado, Mesa was met with an executive headquarters entirely devoid of personnel, save for the presence of his family and some friends who came to visit. There, he spoke with Bishop [[:es:Jesús Juárez|Jesús Juárez]], who suggested to him that to guarantee the country's pacification, he had to be in El Alto the next day.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|pp=118–119}}</ref> Mesa heeded the advice, traveling in his first full day as president to the former epicenter of the social conflicts to participate in a ceremony in tribute to the victims of the previous government's violent occupation of the city. Before a crowd of some 8,000 people, he declared that his government would grant compensation of Bs50,000 to the relatives of the deceased and, most importantly, announced an inquiry into those culpable for the previous week's repressions.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2003-10-18|title='Ni olvido, ni venganza', Mesa promete justicia en El Alto.|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/ni-olvido-ni-venganza-mesa-promete-justicia-en-el-alto-26026|access-date=2021-12-15|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216041558/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/ni-olvido-ni-venganza-mesa-promete-justicia-en-el-alto-26026|url-status=live}}</ref> With the slogan "neither forget, nor revenge: justice!", Mesa promised that he would ask Congress to begin a "responsible investigation" that would establish the responsibility of Sánchez de Lozada and members of his government for the numerous deaths caused during the October crisis.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Crespo|first=Luis|date=2003-10-19|title=Mesa: 'ni olvido ni venganza'|language=es|work=[[BBC Mundo]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=London|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/latin_america/newsid_3204000/3204568.stm|access-date=2021-12-15|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216041542/http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/latin_america/newsid_3204000/3204568.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Almost a year later, on 14 October 2004, the National Congress, by a vote of 126 to thirteen, authorized a trial of responsibilities against Sánchez de Lozada and his entire cabinet under the purview of the Law of Responsibilities (Law N° 2445), precisely promulgated by the ex-president. Mesa applauded its passage as a "historic decision" that "strengthens democracy and renews civic faith in its institutions".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Azcui|first=Mabel|date=2004-10-14|title=El Parlamento de Bolivia autoriza un juicio político contra el ex presidente Sánchez de Lozada|language=es|work=[[El País]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Madrid|url=https://elpais.com/diario/2004/10/15/internacional/1097791227_850215.html|access-date=2021-12-21|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221104000/https://elpais.com/diario/2004/10/15/internacional/1097791227_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-10-15|title=Histórico juicio a ex presidente de Bolivia|language=es|work={{Lang|es|[[El Universo]]}}|publication-place=Guayaquil|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/2004/10/15/0001/14/E2C52C51B5094082BC6906CF8320C8FB.html/|access-date=2021-12-21|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221101059/https://www.eluniverso.com/2004/10/15/0001/14/E2C52C51B5094082BC6906CF8320C8FB.html/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Domestic policy ===
==== Economy ====
[[File:Pope johnpaul funeral politics.jpeg|thumb|alt=Pallbearers carry the casket of Pope John Paul II|Mesa [[List of dignitaries at the funeral of Pope John Paul II|attends]] the [[funeral of Pope John Paul II]], 8 April 2005.]]
Among the most pressing challenges facing the early Mesa government was the ongoing [[Recession|economic recession]]—at the start of 2003, the fiscal deficit lay at 8.7 percent of [[Gross domestic product|GDP]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Medinaceli |first=Rubén |author-link=Rubén Medinaceli |date=2019-02-20 |title='Impuestazo' de febrero 2003, el fracaso del neoliberalismo |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/opinion/2019/2/20/impuestazo-de-febrero-2003-el-fracaso-del-neoliberalismo-209618.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219102629/https://www.paginasiete.bo/opinion/2019/2/20/impuestazo-de-febrero-2003-el-fracaso-del-neoliberalismo-209618.html |archive-date=19 December 2021}}</ref> On 1 February 2004, Mesa laid out his economic program aimed at reducing government waste through [[fiscal austerity]] and the imposition of [[Wealth tax|new taxes on the nation's highest earners]]. Within the public service sector, he implemented a ten percent reduction in his own salary as president and a five percent cut in the wages of all high officials, as well as eliminated the "bonuses" of up to US$4,000 granted to ministers, vice ministers, and legislators through which their wages had nearly doubled. On that point, Mesa introduced measures that prohibited government officials from having wages higher than the president's. In the private sector, he imposed a [[Financial transaction tax|tax on bank transactions]] and 1.5 percent of the [[net worth]] of those making more than US$50,000.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2004-02-01|title=Mesa lanza programa económico con austeridad y nuevos impuestos|language=es|work={{Lang|es|[[El Universo]]}}|agency=[[EFE]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Guayaquil|url=https://www.nacion.com/economia/mesa-lanza-programa-economico-con-austeridad-y-nuevos-impuestos/FECNIHEHQJB7PFEJT45PAM7TN4/story/|url-access=registration|access-date=2021-12-21|archive-date=22 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222015822/https://www.nacion.com/economia/mesa-lanza-programa-economico-con-austeridad-y-nuevos-impuestos/FECNIHEHQJB7PFEJT45PAM7TN4/story/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-02-02|title=Bolivia presenta plan económico|language=es|work=[[BBC Mundo]]|publication-place=London|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/business/newsid_3451000/3451305.stm|access-date=2021-12-21|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216201759/http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/business/newsid_3451000/3451305.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> At the conclusion of Mesa's first full year in office, the fiscal deficit had been reduced to 5.5 percent and was at 2.4 percent by the end of 2005.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=151}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Bolivia Government budget deficit|url=https://countryeconomy.com/deficit/bolivia|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-21|website=countryeconomy.com|language=en-US|archive-date=22 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222015829/https://countryeconomy.com/deficit/bolivia}}</ref>

==== Judiciary ====
Since 1999, the [[Supreme Court of Bolivia|Supreme Court of Justice]] had been operating at a reduced capacity. Congress had left several vacancies due to its inability to nominate judges who could gain the support of two-thirds of the legislators, causing delays in the judicial system because the Court could not reach the majorities necessary to adopt rulings. In light of the [[Recess (break)#Parliamentary procedure|parliamentary recess]], on 31 July 2004, through Supreme Decree N° 27650, Mesa swore in six new acting Supreme Court magistrates, two judicial counselors, and nine district prosecutors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mesa Gisbert |first=Carlos D. |date=2004-07-31 |title=Decreto Supremo N° 27650 |url=http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/27650 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223195236/http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/27650 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-23 |website=Gaceta Oficial del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia |language=es |publication-place=La Paz}}</ref> Mesa justified that in this way, he had "guarantee[d] the independence of the judicial power, starkly controlled by the parties{{nbsp}}...". The recess appointments were challenged by Congress, which filed a motion with the [[Plurinational Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]] on the grounds that Mesa had violated the [[separation of powers]]. On 11 November, the Court ruled against Mesa and annulled the appointments.<ref>{{harvnb|Soto Ríos|2007|pp=140–141}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=172}}</ref>

==== Constitutional reform ====
The primary barrier to Mesa's October Agenda, particularly regarding the promise of a referendum and a constituent assembly, was that the Political Constitution of the State did not prescribe any mechanisms to carry out either venture. For this reason, the first step toward the president's program was to [[Constitutional amendment|amend]] said Constitution. To do this, Law N° 2410 ''On The Necessity of Reform to the Constitution''—promulgated in 2002 by then-president [[Jorge Quiroga]]—was unarchived in order to provide a legal framework for the new alterations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quiroga Ramírez |first=Jorge |author-link=Jorge Quiroga |date=2002-08-02 |title=Ley N° 2410 |url=http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscarFecha/2002-08-01/2002-08-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222045158/http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscarFecha/2002-08-01/2002-08-01 |archive-date=22 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-21 |website=Gaceta Oficial del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia |language=es |publication-place=La Paz}}</ref><ref name=":A-D-194">{{harvnb|Arrarás|Deheza|2005|p=164}}</ref> On 20 February 2004, Congress sanctioned, and Mesa promulgated Law N° 2631, amending the Constitution to allow for a constituent assembly and the ability to call for either a [[Popular initiative|citizen legislative initiative]] or a referendum. In addition to the main points, the opportunity was also taken to abolish [[parliamentary immunity]] and allow for [[Multiple citizenship|dual citizenship]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mesa Gisbert |first=Carlos D. |date=2004-02-20 |title=Ley N° 2631 |url=http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/busquedag1?q=siguientes+Art%C3%ADculos%3A+1%C2%BA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222045203/http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/busquedag1?q=siguientes+Art%C3%ADculos:+1%C2%BA |archive-date=22 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-21 |website=Gaceta Oficial del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia |language=es |publication-place=La Paz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-02-20|title=Bolivia reforma su Constitución|language=es|work=[[BBC Mundo]]|location=London|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/latin_america/newsid_3508000/3508061.stm|access-date=2021-12-16|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226224349/http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/latin_america/newsid_3508000/3508061.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Hydrocarbons and gas ====
===== 2004 gas referendum =====
{{Infobox multichoice referendum
| name                        = Results of the 2004 gas referendum
| date                        = {{Start date|2004|07|18|df=y}}
| part1_choice1               = Repeal Law N° 1689
| part1_percentage1           = 86.6
| part1_choice1_color         = slategray
| part1_choice2               = Recover wellhead ownership
| part1_percentage2           = 92.2
| part1_choice2_color         = silver
| part1_choice3               = Reestablish [[YPFB]]
| part1_percentage3           = 87.3
| part1_choice3_color         = slategray
| part1_choice4               = Export gas as Pacific strategy
| part1_percentage4           = 54.8
| part1_choice4_color         = silver
| part1_choice5               = Export gas as national policy
| part1_percentage5           = 61.7
| part1_choice5_color         = slategray
| notes                       = Source: Nohlen<ref>{{Cite book|last=Nohlen|first=Dieter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c45viQJas8oC|title=Elections in the Americas: A Data Handbook|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2005|isbn=978-0-19-928358-3|volume=2: South America|pages=133; 140–141|language=en-US|author-link=Dieter Nohlen|access-date=5 January 2022}}</ref>
}}
{{Main|2004 Bolivian gas referendum}}
A few months after the formalization of the new legal structure, on 13 April 2004, Mesa issued the call for a referendum on gas, opting to do so through supreme decree given a National Congress whose majority opposed his agenda.<ref name=":4">{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=157}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mesa Gisbert |first=Carlos D. |date=2003-04-13 |title=Decreto Supremo N° 27449 |url=http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/27449 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222215228/http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/27449 |archive-date=22 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-21 |website=Gaceta Oficial del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia |language=es |publication-place=La Paz}}</ref> The latter decision was the basis for the traditional parties' objection to the plebiscite; the MIR, ADN, and sectors of the MNR, among other criticisms, voiced their opinion that the convocation of the referendum through any form other than a law passed by the legislature was illegal. Legislators of [[Solidarity Civic Unity]] (UCS) filed two lawsuits with the Constitutional Court alleging the unconstitutionality of the referendum. Days before the vote, the Court ruled in favor of Mesa and the [[National Electoral Court of Bolivia|National Electoral Court]].<ref name=":A-D-165">{{harvnb|Arrarás|Deheza|2005|p=165}}</ref>

Simultaneously, the five questions, drafted by both Mesa and MAS representatives,{{efn|The MAS participated in the formulation of questions two and three of the referendum.<ref name=":A-D-165"/>}} caused a divide in the labor and social movements because they did not directly address the nationalization of gas reserves, an action supported by over eighty percent of the country. The country's largest workers' unions—the [[Bolivian Workers' Center]] (COB), the Regional Workers' Center of El Alto (COR-El Alto), the [[Unified Syndical Confederation of Rural Workers of Bolivia|Unified Syndical Confederation of Rural Workers]] (CSUTCB), and the Gas Coordinator, among others—all voiced their discontent with this crucial omission and called for a boycott of the vote, promoting roadblocks and demonstrations to block access to polling sites.<ref>{{harvnb|Webber|2010|p=55}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-07-06|title=Organizaciones sociales llaman a boicotear el referéndum.|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/sociedad/organizaciones-sociales-llaman-a-boicotear-el-referendum-245240|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223094718/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/sociedad/organizaciones-sociales-llaman-a-boicotear-el-referendum-245240|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2004-07-06|title=Líder aymara llama al desacato civil en Bolivia|language=es|work=[[ABC Color]]|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Asunción|url=https://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/internacionales/lider-aymara-llama-al-desacato-civil-en-bolivia-772464.html|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=22 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222215229/https://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/internacionales/lider-aymara-llama-al-desacato-civil-en-bolivia-772464.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On the other hand, the [[Bartolina Sisa Confederation]], as well as peasant unions in [[Potosí]], [[Oruro, Bolivia|Oruro]], and Cochabamba backed the vote in support of Morales.<ref>{{harvnb|Arrarás|Deheza|2005|pp=166–167}}</ref> For his part, Morales encouraged a "yes" vote on the first three questions and a "no" on the last two, which concerned issues surrounding exports. Mesa's campaign denounced the boycott and ramped up security at polling centers to defend against threats of violence, while the Electoral Court imposed a fine of Bs150 (US$19) for those who did not vote.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Arostegui|first=Martin|date=2004-07-16|title=High security for Bolivia gas referendum|language=en-US|work=[[United Press International]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Boca Raton|url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2004/07/16/High-security-for-Bolivia-gas-referendum/52061090021499/?ur3=1|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=22 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222215225/https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2004/07/16/High-security-for-Bolivia-gas-referendum/52061090021499/?ur3=1|url-status=live}}</ref>

The outcome of the 18 July vote yielded largely positive results for the Mesa administration. Labor protests failed to significantly reduce turnout, which came in at 60.06 percent, a figure that, while the lowest of any election since the transition to democracy in 1982, was still substantial. The Electoral Court argued that, as a referendum, participation levels were not comparable to previously held general or municipal elections. Most importantly, all five questions passed by broad margins. Questions one through three regarding the repeal of Sánchez de Lozada's hydrocarbons law, State recovery of hydrocarbon ownership at the wellhead, and the reestablishment of [[YPFB]] all passed with over eighty percent of the vote—question two achieved over ninety percent. Meanwhile, coinciding with the position of the MAS, questions four and five on exports saw the least support, though they still received over fifty percent and sixty percent of the vote, respectively.<ref>{{harvnb|Arrarás|Deheza|2005|pp=167–168}}</ref> Mesa hailed the results as a significant victory and a vote of confidence in his administration, later calling it "the brightest moment of our government".<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-07-19|title=Bolivian president hails gas referendum win|language=en-UK|work=[[The Guardian]]|publication-place=London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/jul/19/1|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=22 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222215226/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/jul/19/1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Forero|first=Juan|author-link=Juan Forero|date=2004-07-19|title=Bolivians Support Gas Plan And Give President a Lift|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/19/world/bolivians-support-gas-plan-and-give-president-a-lift.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-12-22|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=22 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222220715/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/19/world/bolivians-support-gas-plan-and-give-president-a-lift.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===== 2005 Hydrocarbons Law =====
Immediately following the referendum, Mesa began negotiating with Congress, whose participation was necessary to formulate and eventually sanction a law on hydrocarbons. His first step was to introduce the ''Law of Execution and Compliance of the Referendum''—dubbed the "short law"—to establish a clear interpretation of the vote's results and commit to comply with them. Mesa was adamant that the short law must be "physically separate" from any eventual hydrocarbons legislation. Regardless, the measure was roundly rejected by the legislature, which insisted on a singular hydrocarbons bill. As a result, Mesa announced on 20 August that he would not enact any legislation authorized by Congress until an agreement was reached, a pledge he was forced to retract two days later amid criticism that he was jeopardizing the convocation of municipal elections.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-08-20|title=Mesa se enfrenta al Congreso por la ley de ejecución del Referéndum.|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-se-enfrenta-al-congreso-por-la-ley-de-ejecucion-del-referendum-1553|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223094722/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-se-enfrenta-al-congreso-por-la-ley-de-ejecucion-del-referendum-1553|url-status=live}}</ref> After a few weeks of negotiations, the president relented and agreed to present a solitary "large law" to Congress for consideration.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=167}}</ref>

Ultimately, without a party base of his own, Mesa was incapable of overcoming Congress's ability to block his policy initiatives. In late October, peasant and mining sectors led by Morales and the COB conducted mass demonstrations in La Paz, blockading the streets in and around Congress. On 20 October, faced with immense external pressure from over 15,000 peasant protesters arriving from [[Caracollo]], Congress discarded the president's bill and agreed to move forward with the one proposed by the Mixed Commission for Economic Development, headed by Santos Ramírez of the MAS.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-10-20|title=La presión social apura el paso de los diputados|language=es|work=[[La Razón (La Paz)|La Razón]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=http://www.la-razon.com/El_evento/Octubre/eve041020c.html|url-status=dead|access-date=2021-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041022112758/http://www.la-razon.com/El_evento/Octubre/eve041020c.html|archive-date=2004-10-22}}</ref> With victory at hand, Morales agreed to demobilize his followers.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Azcui|first=Mabel|date=2004-10-21|title=El Congreso boliviano reta al Gobierno con una nueva ley de hidrocarburos|language=es|work=[[El País]]|publication-place=Madrid|url=https://elpais.com/diario/2004/10/22/internacional/1098396017_850215.html|access-date=2021-12-23|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223165316/https://elpais.com/diario/2004/10/22/internacional/1098396017_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After the demise of Mesa's project, negotiations moved forward over the more radical proposal. The primary point of contention between parliamentarians of different parties surrounded question two of the referendum and what exactly "recover[y of] ownership over all hydrocarbons" meant. While more radical sectors called for complete [[nationalization]] of the industry, the MAS took a more moderate stance, demanding that oil companies be subject to a [[Royalty payment|royalty]] of fifty percent of their profits. The compromise of the traditional parties was to approve a draft on 3 March 2005 that kept the preexisting eighteen percent royalty in place but added a thirty-two percent profits tax that, cumulatively, would reach fifty percent.<ref>{{harvnb|Arrarás|Deheza|2005|pp=171–172}}</ref> In response, MAS sectors mobilized their bases in [[Cochabamba Department|Cochabamba]] and [[Chuquisaca Department|Chuquisaca]], initiating blockades and roadblocks, actions that shattered the tacit alliance Morales had shared with Mesa up to that point.<ref name=":5" />
{{listen
| filename     = Carlos Mesa - Resignation.ogg
| title        = Carlos Mesa resigns
| description  = Segment of the resignation speech of President Carlos Mesa, delivered 6 March 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2005-03-06|title=Mensaje del Presidente Carlos Mesa anunciando su renuncia|url=https://www.bolivia.com/noticias/autonoticias/DetalleNoticia25357.asp|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-07|website=Bolivia.com|location=[[La Paz]]|language=es|quote=It is very comfortable to coup the government, it is the most comfortable thing in the world, it is a very profitable business, it is practiced every day{{nbsp}}... This is the country of ultimatums, this is the country of 'if you don't do this I am very sorry but you will have consequences', this is the country of people who get involved with dynamite to demand that we do whatever comes to their mind, good, bad, or fair. I am not going to continue with that logic, because Bolivia cannot be governed by that logic.|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208041042/https://www.bolivia.com/noticias/autonoticias/DetalleNoticia25357.asp}}</ref>
}}
The dramatic upturn in the social climate placed Mesa in a precarious political position—one that urgently necessitated a skillful maneuver in order to circumvent a repeat of the government repressions of October 2003, which Mesa refused to allow. The scheme ultimately devised was two-fold: the presentation of the president's revocable resignation to Congress and a simultaneous televised address to the nation.<ref name=":5">{{harvnb|Webber|2010|pp=60–61}}</ref> In a forty-five-minute speech broadcast on radio and television, Mesa put to use his oratory skills, denouncing both left-wing labor sectors as well as conservative autonomists and business elites and directly calling out Evo Morales by name. In addition, he reiterated his statement that "I am not willing to kill" and promised that "there will be no deaths on my back" before announcing to the nation his intent to resign from the presidency on the grounds that it was impossible to govern under the threat of blockades.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2005-03-07|title=Carlos Mesa pondrá su renuncia hoy ante el Congreso de Bolivia|language=es|work=[[La Jornada]]|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] and [[Deutsche Presse-Agentur]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Mexico City|url=https://www.jornada.com.mx/2005/03/07/index.php?section=mundo&article=028n1mun|access-date=2021-12-22}}</ref> The gamble succeeded in inverting middle-class sentiment in his favor and against his opponents. Soon after the speech, a mass demonstration reaching approximately 5,000 people assembled outside the [[Plaza Murillo]] to support of the continuity of Mesa's mandate. Similar gatherings took place in other cities.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2005-03-07|title=Presidente de Bolivia anunció ayer su renuncia|language=es|work={{Lang|es|[[El Universo]]}}|publication-place=Guayaquil|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/2005/03/07/0001/14/31D63DA4809343CEB81FFEB67AE9EFDA.html/|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223082513/https://www.eluniverso.com/2005/03/07/0001/14/31D63DA4809343CEB81FFEB67AE9EFDA.html/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Webber|2010|p=63}}</ref>

With popular support and political momentum at his back, Mesa immediately set about exerting pressure on Congress. Within hours, at a plenary session of legislators convened to formulate a response to Mesa's resignation, Minister of the Presidency José Galindo laid out the president's terms for remaining in office. After three days of negotiations, Congress unanimously voted to reject Mesa's resignation on 8 March. In exchange, the legislature committed to a four-point agenda: expedite the drafting of the hydrocarbons bill; begin the process of approving an autonomy referendum, the democratic election of prefects, and the convocation of a constituent assembly; construct a national "social pact"; and initiate efforts to end the ongoing blockades. The agreement was formalized between Mesa and six of the eight congressional parties: the traditional right-wing parties, embattled and under pressure, accepted, while the MAS and the [[Pachakuti Indigenous Movement]] (MIP; a related left-wing party) refused to sign, and from that point were marginalized entirely, solidifying the split between Mesa and Morales for the rest of his administration.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2005-03-09|title=Mesa negoció, logró un acuerdo y fue ratificado por el Parlamento|language=es|work=[[La Razón (La Paz)|La Razón]]|url=https://www.la-razon.com/Especial/Marzo/esp050309a.html|url-status=dead|access-date=2021-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050311020655/https://www.la-razon.com/Especial/Marzo/esp050309a.html|archive-date=2005-03-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2005-03-09|title=Mesa to stay on as Bolivia leader|language=en-UK|work=[[BBC News]]|publication-place=London|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4329793.stm|access-date=2021-12-23|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223082452/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4329793.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Unasul CASA 2 (cropped).jpg|thumb|alt=Evo Morales|Mesa's complex relationship with Evo Morales has been one of both cooperation and open hostility.<ref name=":10" />]]
Mesa's brief alliance with the conservative sectors of Congress proved tenuous. Recalling the accord, Mesa regretted that "I wasted the chance; I accepted a bad agreement with Congress, a generic document, of moral commitments that were never fulfilled". He further outlined that a better course of action would have been to impose his own hydrocarbons bill as a condition for withdrawing his resignation.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|pp=194–195}}</ref> On 15 March, the Chamber of Deputies approved the Hydrocarbons Law, maintaining the eighteen percent royalty and thirty-two percent tax. Despite not meeting the opposition's demands, Morales relented and called off the ongoing strikes. Mesa, however, maintained that the country did not have the economic capacity to carry out the law and argued that the new tax should be implemented gradually, starting at twelve percent and increasing to thirty-two percent within a decade.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2005-03-17|title=Opposition ends Bolivia blockades|language=en-UK|work=[[BBC News]]|publication-place=London|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4356547.stm|access-date=2021-12-29|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230000540/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4356547.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Nonetheless, on 6 May, Congress moved forward and passed the controversial bill. Despite having drafted it themselves, the failure to agree on the fifty percent royalty led the MAS to near-unanimously vote against it.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=168}}</ref> Faced with two unappealing choices of either promulgating the law or vetoing it, Mesa took a third option: neither. As stipulated by Article 78 of the Constitution: "Laws not vetoed or not promulgated by the president of the republic within ten days from their receipt, will be promulgated by the president of the congress". On 16 May, President of the Senate Hormando Vaca Díez signed the bill into law and criticized Mesa for "[bringing] the country to a point of crisis and uncertainty".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ruiz|first=Alvaro|date=2005-05-16|title=Promulgan cuestionada ley de hidrocarburos en Bolivia|language=es|work=[[Laredo Morning Times]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|location=La Paz|url=https://www.lmtonline.com/lmtenespanol/article/Promulgan-cuestionada-ley-de-hidrocarburos-en-10165053.php|access-date=2021-12-16|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216201251/https://www.lmtonline.com/lmtenespanol/article/Promulgan-cuestionada-ley-de-hidrocarburos-en-10165053.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Azcui|first=Mabel|date=2005-05-17|title=El Congreso de Bolivia promulga la polémica Ley de Hidrocarburos|language=es|work=[[El País]]|publication-place=Madrid|url=https://elpais.com/diario/2005/05/18/internacional/1116367208_850215.html|access-date=2021-12-16|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218233907/https://elpais.com/diario/2005/05/18/internacional/1116367208_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Autonomies ====
One of the major challenges to the Mesa government was the increasing calls for decentralization from business and civic sectors in the Santa Cruz Department. For years, the national government had systemically blocked the issue of departmental autonomy and the democratic election of prefects. The Banzer and Quiroga administrations sidestepped it entirely, while Sánchez de Lozada was actively hostile to the prospect, viewing it as the basis for the collapse of the unitary state.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=216}}</ref> Mesa took a different stance on the issue, announcing on 20 April 2004 his support for regional autonomy. He outlined his government's intent to address the matter through the convocation of a constituent assembly that would amend the relevant articles in the Constitution in order to provide for the decentralization of the country and the election of prefects and departmental councilors by popular vote. In tandem, he issued two decrees that month: one served to strengthen departmental councils while the other determined the administrative decentralization of regional health and education services.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-04-20|title=Autonomías: Mesa propugna la descentralización total del país.|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/autonomias-mesa-propugna-la-descentralizacion-total-del-pais-48237|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226154956/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/autonomias-mesa-propugna-la-descentralizacion-total-del-pais-48237|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mesa Gisbert |first=Carlos D. |date=2004-04-02 |title=Decreto Supremo N° 27431 |url=http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/27431 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226013253/http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/27431 |archive-date=26 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=Gaceta Oficial del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia |language=es |publication-place=La Paz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mesa Gisbert |first=Carlos D. |date=2004-04-19 |title=Decreto Supremo N° 27457 |url=http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/27457 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226013255/http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/27457 |archive-date=26 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=Gaceta Oficial del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia |language=es |publication-place=La Paz}}</ref> The response from Santa Cruz civic leaders, however, was unsupportive of Mesa's proposal. On 22 June, under the leadership of [[Rubén Costas]]—head of the Pro Santa Cruz Committee—a civic council was convened that approved an eleven-point document known as the "June Agenda" against blockades, centralism, and violence. It demanded a national referendum on autonomies and began collecting signatures for a departmental plebiscite to be held prior to the convocation of the constituent assembly.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peña Hasbún |first=Paula |date=2019-07-07 |title=La agenda de junio, 15 años de la propuesta autonómica |language=es |work=[[El Deber]] |publication-place=Santa Cruz de la Sierra |url=https://eldeber.com.bo/septimo-dia/la-agenda-de-junio-15-anos-de-la-propuesta-autonomica_141095 |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226013249/https://eldeber.com.bo/septimo-dia/la-agenda-de-junio-15-anos-de-la-propuesta-autonomica_141095 |archive-date=26 December 2021}}</ref>

This context precipitated an antagonistic relationship between the Mesa administration and Santa Cruz civic leaders and business elites for the duration of his mandate. Although Mesa's policy proposals remained in favor of a move toward autonomy, his approval rating in the department fell from sixty-one percent in June to thirty-six percent by the end of 2004.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=221}}</ref> The culmination of this animosity came on 30 December when the government announced the termination of its fuel subsidy in order to reduce the rate of smuggling. The result was a twenty-three percent increase in the price of [[Diesel fuel|diesel]] and a ten percent [[gasoline]] hike.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2005-01-02|title=Se calienta el clima social en Bolivia por alzas de carburantes|language=es|work=[[Midland Reporter-Telegram]]|url=https://www.mrt.com/news/amp/Se-calienta-el-clima-social-en-Bolivia-por-alzas-7581092.php|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226043843/https://www.mrt.com/news/amp/Se-calienta-el-clima-social-en-Bolivia-por-alzas-7581092.php|url-status=live}}</ref> The unpopular measure—dubbed the "''dieselazo''"—generated nationwide protests from both left-wing indigenous and labor groups and right-wing business sectors.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2005-01-04|title=Carlos Mesa enfrenta crisis tras subir los combustibles|language=es|work=Hoy|agency=[[EFE]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Santo Domingo|url=https://hoy.com.do/carlos-mesa-enfrenta-crisis-tras-subir-los-combustibles-2/|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226043921/https://hoy.com.do/carlos-mesa-enfrenta-crisis-tras-subir-los-combustibles-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> Most seriously, autonomist groups in Santa Cruz, joined later by civic groups in [[Tarija Department|Tarija]], quickly coopted the demonstrations in those departments, adding the call for autonomy to their list of demands even after the government agreed to reduce the diesel increase to fifteen percent.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2005-01-22|title=Bolivian fuel protests escalate|language=en-UK|work=[[BBC News]]|publication-place=London|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4195691.stm|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226043839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4195691.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Villegas|first=Rene|date=2005-01-25|title=Bolivian civic leaders, protesters push for autonomy|language=en-US|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|location=La Paz|url=https://www.chron.com/news/nation-world/article/Bolivian-civic-leaders-protesters-push-for-1930597.php|access-date=2021-12-16|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216201254/https://www.chron.com/news/nation-world/article/Bolivian-civic-leaders-protesters-push-for-1930597.php|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 January, the [[Armed Forces of Bolivia|Armed Forces]] signaled to the president their willingness to intervene in the event that Santa Cruz moved to declare itself autonomous in violation of the Constitution. Faced with the possibility of an armed confrontation similar to that of October 2003, Mesa, on 26 January, resolved with his cabinet to allow the Cruceños to move forward with self-rule unimpeded. The following day, with news that the [[Santa Cruz Youth Union]] had decided to seize all public institutions in [[Santa Cruz de la Sierra]], Mesa gave the order to withdraw all civil and police personnel from public buildings, including the prefecture, in order to avoid armed conflict.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|pp=225–227}}</ref> On 28 January, Santa Cruz was proclaimed an autonomous department at a ''[[Cabildo (council)|cabildo]]'' held at the foot of the Christ the Redeemer Monument. The declaration came with the formation of a provisional assembly that would negotiate with the government for a departmental autonomy referendum in order to legitimize the new authority, which at the moment contravened the Constitution.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2005-01-29|title=El mayor departamento de Bolivia proclama un gobierno regional autónomo del poder central|language=es|work=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|agency=[[EFE]]|location=Santa Cruz de la Sierra|publication-place=Madrid|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2005/01/29/internacional/1106956764.html|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226043836/https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2005/01/29/internacional/1106956764.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Marirrodriga|first=Jorge|date=2005-01-28|title=Una multitud proclama la autonomía de la región boliviana de Santa Cruz|language=es|work=[[El País]]|url=https://elpais.com/diario/2005/01/29/internacional/1106953218_850215.html|access-date=2021-12-26|publication-place=Madrid|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=28 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228130914/https://elpais.com/diario/2005/01/29/internacional/1106953218_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That same day, Mesa issued Supreme Decree N° 27988, which called for the election of prefects in all nine departments. Since the Constitution granted the power to designate prefects solely to the president, the decree worked around that by constraining the head of state only to appoint those who obtained a majority of the popular vote.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mesa Gisbert |first=Carlos D. |date=2005-01-28 |title=Decreto Supremo N° 27988 |url=http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/27988 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230000543/http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/27988 |archive-date=30 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-29 |website=Gaceta Oficial del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia |language=es |publication-place=La Paz}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=290}}</ref> The decree was formalized by a  complementary law passed by Congress on 8 April.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2005-04-08|title=Bolivia celebrará el 12 de agosto sus primeras elecciones de prefectos|language=es|work=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|agency=[[EFE]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Madrid|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2005/04/08/internacional/1112982134.html|access-date=2021-12-26|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226194001/https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2005/04/08/internacional/1112982134.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 February, Mesa delegated to Congress the task of setting a date for the autonomies referendum.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2005-02-12|title=Mesa, por Constituyente y delega las autonomías|language=es|work={{Lang|es|[[El Universo]]}}|publication-place=Guayaquil|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/2005/02/12/0001/14/B4894D479D4641A0BC9E42785CF6F66F.html/|access-date=2021-12-26|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226194026/https://www.eluniverso.com/2005/02/12/0001/14/B4894D479D4641A0BC9E42785CF6F66F.html/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Foreign policy ===
{{External media|float=right|caption=Mesa meets with Argentine President [[Néstor Kirchner]], 22 July 2004.|headerimage=[[File:Nestor Kirchner and Carlos Mesa Gisbert.jpg|240x240px|center|alt=Néstor Kirchner and Carlos Mesa]]|video1=[https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/videography/video/58 Discursos - Firma del contrato de venta de gas a la Argentina]|topic=Signing of the gas export contract to Argentina}}

==== Argentina ====
{{See also|Argentina–Bolivia relations}}
On 15 April 2004, Mesa authorized an agreement with Argentine President [[Néstor Kirchner]] allowing for the sale of four million cubic meters daily of Bolivian gas for a six-month period with the possibility of renewal depending on the outcome of the July referendum.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-04-15|title=Argentina unblocks agreement with Bolivia on gas sales|language=en|work=[[Ámbito Financiero]]|publication-place=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.ambito.com/portada-principal/argentina-unblocks-agreement-with-bolivia-on-gas-sales-n3269141|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223001805/https://www.ambito.com/portada-principal/argentina-unblocks-agreement-with-bolivia-on-gas-sales-n3269141|url-status=live}}</ref> The arrangement was supported by civic groups in Tarija—home to eighty-five percent of the country's natural gas—but was met with suspicion by certain labor sectors who viewed it as a possible roundabout way for Bolivian gas to be exported to Chile through Argentina.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-04-19|title=Kírchner y Mesa tras acuerdo sobre gas|language=es|work=[[La Nación (San José)|La Nación]]|publication-place=San José|url=https://www.nacion.com/el-mundo/kirchner-y-mesa-tras-acuerdo-sobre-gas/67YFLR7OKFGPBKY2OZVHAVVJEY/story/|url-access=registration|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223001811/https://www.nacion.com/el-mundo/kirchner-y-mesa-tras-acuerdo-sobre-gas/67YFLR7OKFGPBKY2OZVHAVVJEY/story/|url-status=live}}</ref> In view of this, the Mesa administration conditioned the sale on the promise that not "one molecule" of Bolivian gas could be exported to Chile. Doing so would constitute a contract violation on the part of Argentina.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Zuazo|first=Alvaro|date=2004-03-24|title=Bolivia: ni 'una molécula' de gas a Chile|language=es|work=[[Plainview Daily Herald]]|url=https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Bolivia-ni-una-mol-cula-de-gas-a-Chile-8762523.php|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223001808/https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Bolivia-ni-una-mol-cula-de-gas-a-Chile-8762523.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Mesa met with Kirchner twice more during his presidency, this time in Bolivia, once for a short discussion in July and another in October 2004.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-07-17|title=Kirchner llegará a Bolivia este jueves y Lula vuelve en agosto.|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/kirchner-llegara-a-bolivia-este-jueves-y-lula-vuelve-en-agosto-54965|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223094722/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/kirchner-llegara-a-bolivia-este-jueves-y-lula-vuelve-en-agosto-54965|url-status=live}}</ref> In the latter, the two presidents signed an agreement that increased Bolivian gas export volumes from 6.5 million to 26.5 million cubic meters per day to help mitigate the [[2004 Argentine energy crisis|Argentine energy crisis]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-10-14|title=Argentina asegura suministro de gas boliviano|language=es|work={{Lang|es|[[El Universo]]}}|publication-place=Guayaquil|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/2004/10/14/0001/14/F036837C8E30461783ED446D29D1A7D4.html/|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223001817/https://www.eluniverso.com/2004/10/14/0001/14/F036837C8E30461783ED446D29D1A7D4.html/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{External media|float=left|caption=Mesa with U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] in [[Monterrey]], Mexico, 13 January 2004.|headerimage=[[File:Carlos Mesa with Bush.jpg|240x240px|center|alt=George W. Bush and Carlos Mesa]]|video1=[https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/videography/video/57 Discursos - Cumbre Extraordinaria de las Américas]|topic=Monterrey Special Summit of the Americas}}

==== Chile and the Maritime Demand ====
{{Further|Atacama border dispute}}
{{See also||Bolivia–Chile relations}}
As with near-universally all previous governments, the relationship between Bolivia and Chile during the Mesa administration centered fundamentally on Bolivia's claim of sovereign access to the [[Pacific Ocean]], a dispute which, by 2004, had reached its centennial without compromise. Just under a month into Mesa's presidency, the first discussions surrounding the maritime issue took place. On 14 November 2003, during the ongoing [[Ibero-American Summit]], Mesa met privately with Chilean President [[Ricardo Lagos]] at the Los Tajibos Hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The dialogue between the two heads of state concluded with an agreement in principle on a sovereign corridor connecting Bolivia to the Pacific through a {{convert|10|km|mi|2|abbr=on}} strip of land along the Chile–Peru border. As per the [[Treaty of Ancón]], any cession of land formerly belonging to Peru necessitates Peruvian approval and, therefore, Lagos stipulated that "if there is a Peruvian yes, there will be a Chilean yes".<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2015-06-08|title=Mesa confirma que ex presidente Lagos ofreció a Bolivia una salida soberana al mar|language=es|work=[[Correo del Sur]]|agency=[[Agencia Boliviana de Información]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Sucre|url=https://correodelsur.com/politica/20150608_mesa-confirma-que-ex-presidente-lagos-ofrecio-a-bolivia-una-salida-soberana-al-mar-.html|access-date=2021-12-28|archive-date=28 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228105138/https://correodelsur.com/politica/20150608_mesa-confirma-que-ex-presidente-lagos-ofrecio-a-bolivia-una-salida-soberana-al-mar-.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mesa raised the maritime claim again at the [[Monterrey Special Summit of the Americas]] in January 2004. There, he emphasized the good relationship between the two countries but expressed his view that such relations required the resolution of issues that "for a reason of justice" must be resolved.<ref>{{harvnb|Figueroa Pla|2007|pp=372–373}}</ref> Mesa's statements opened a rift between himself and Lagos, who expressed his "regret [for] what happened in Monterrey because these are spaces to advance on collective and multilateral issues".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-01-15|title=Mundo político aprueba examen de Lagos en Cumbre de Monterrey|language=es|work=[[El Mostrador]]|publication-place=Santiago|url=https://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2004/01/15/mundo-politico-aprueba-examen-de-lagos-en-cumbre-de-monterrey/|access-date=2021-12-28|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230111331/https://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2004/01/15/mundo-politico-aprueba-examen-de-lagos-en-cumbre-de-monterrey/|url-status=live}}</ref> Nonetheless, Mesa was received with praise by the National Congress, which declared "its strongest and most determined support" for the president. Later that month, at a seven-hour session of parliament, Congress declared the maritime claim to be an "inalienable right of the Bolivian people" and issued its approval for Mesa's strategy of multilateralizing the demand in order to gain support from as many nations as possible.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-01-21|title=Congreso de Bolivia: Demanda marítima es irrenunciable|language=es|work=[[El Mostrador]]|publication-place=Santiago|url=https://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2004/01/21/congreso-de-bolivia-demanda-maritima-es-irrenunciable/|access-date=2021-12-16|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216204057/https://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2004/01/21/congreso-de-bolivia-demanda-maritima-es-irrenunciable/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Aznárez|first=Juan Jesús|date=2004-01-12|title=Bolivia vincula su futuro a tener una salida al mar|language=es|work=[[El País]]|publication-place=Madrid|url=https://elpais.com/diario/2004/01/13/internacional/1073948406_850215.html|access-date=2021-12-16|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217173622/https://elpais.com/diario/2004/01/13/internacional/1073948406_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the 34th [[General Assembly of the Organization of American States]] held in [[Quito]], Ecuador, the Bolivian delegation distributed its ''Libro Azul'', which recounted the government's interpretation of events surrounding the [[War of the Pacific]] and justifies the country's historical claim. The 35th OAS General Assembly was held in [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida|Fort Lauderdale]] from 5 to 7 June 2005; Mesa issued his definitive resignation on 6 June. It was the last time the outgoing government addressed the maritime claim, bringing an end to Mesa's strategy against Chile.<ref>{{harvnb|Figueroa Pla|2007|pp=375–382}}</ref>

==== Peru ====
{{See also|Bolivia–Peru relations}}
[[File:Ponte da Integração Brasil-Peru.jpg|thumb|alt=Presidents of Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia|Presidents of Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru inaugurate a bridge connecting Brazil and Peru, 11 August 2004.]]
At a meeting in [[Lima]] held on 4 November 2003, Mesa and Peruvian President [[Alejandro Toledo]] agreed on the framework for a [[Single market|common market]] between the two states in order to support greater cultural, commercial, and economic integration as advocated by the [[Andean Community]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2003-11-05|title=Bolivia y Perú firmarán acuerdo de Mercado Común en agosto del 2004|language=es|work={{Lang|es|[[El Universo]]}}|publication-place=Guayaquil|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/2003/11/05/0001/14/32E75FA4FDA34DCB818E3DAB8C2C72A8.html|access-date=2021-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229205343/https://www.eluniverso.com/2003/11/05/0001/14/32E75FA4FDA34DCB818E3DAB8C2C72A8.html/|url-status=live}}</ref> Days after voters approved gas exportation as part of national policy in the gas referendum, the Bolivian government scheduled talks with their counterparts in Peru to discuss the topic.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-07-23|title=Mesa y Toledo inician conversaciones sobre el puerto el 4 de agosto.|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-y-toledo-inician-conversaciones-sobre-el-puerto-el-4-de-agosto-18806|access-date=2021-12-29|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230111046/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-y-toledo-inician-conversaciones-sobre-el-puerto-el-4-de-agosto-18806|url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 August 2004, Mesa and Toledo signed a letter of intent promising to analyze the joint exportation of natural gas. The deal granted Bolivia a [[special economic zone]] centered on the southern port of [[Ilo, Peru|Ilo]], from where it could export its gas to lucrative markets in Mexico and the United States. The agreement allowed Bolivia access to the Pacific for the first time in over a century.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hennessy|first=Hannah|date=2004-08-04|title=Bolivia signs big gas export deal|language=en-UK|work=[[BBC News]]|location=Lima|publication-place=London|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3535644.stm|access-date=2021-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229205330/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3535644.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Days later, the two presidents, along with Brazilian President [[Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]], inaugurated two bridges connecting Bolivia and Peru to Brazil. Through this, Toledo expressed his hope that a tripartite market between the three countries could pave the way for broader continental integration.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-08-10|title=Mesa, Lula y Toledo inauguran obras conjuntas en frontera|language=es|work=[[Laredo Morning Times]]|url=https://www.lmtonline.com/lmtenespanol/article/Mesa-Lula-y-Toledo-inauguran-obras-conjuntas-en-10249714.php|access-date=2021-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229205337/https://www.lmtonline.com/lmtenespanol/article/Mesa-Lula-y-Toledo-inauguran-obras-conjuntas-en-10249714.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Definitive resignation ===
Despite enjoying an approval rating of over sixty percent, Mesa's inability to find a compromise with the National Congress, especially after his break in relations with the MAS, led him to call for an early end to his term. On 15 March 2005, less than a week after Congress rejected his resignation, Mesa announced his intent to introduce a bill that would advance the call for general elections to 28 August, cutting short his term by two years.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Azcui|first=Mabel|date=2005-03-16|title=Bolivia aprueba la polémica ley de hidrocarburos en plena crisis|language=es|work=[[El País]]|publication-place=Madrid|url=https://elpais.com/diario/2005/03/17/internacional/1111014016_850215.html|access-date=2021-12-29|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230001202/https://elpais.com/diario/2005/03/17/internacional/1111014016_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Two days later, Congress rejected his proposal under the justification that it "lack[ed] a legal basis".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2005-03-18|title=Congreso boliviano rechazó adelantar elecciones y Mesa no dejará el poder|language=es|work={{Lang|es|[[El Universo]]}}|publication-place=Guayaquil|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/2005/03/18/0001/14/627837C5D2F740F58D3C6FE913B8EE23.html/|access-date=2021-12-29|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230000554/https://www.eluniverso.com/2005/03/18/0001/14/627837C5D2F740F58D3C6FE913B8EE23.html/|url-status=live}}</ref>

After returning the unenacted hydrocarbons bill to Congress, Mesa attempted to salvage his domestic policy agenda by calling a "National Meeting for Unity" to be held in [[Sucre]] on 16 May. The conference would have sought to find consensus on the hydrocarbons law and establish concrete dates for the convocation of an autonomies referendum and elections for a constituent assembly and prefects. Ninety-seven sectors were invited, including the three branches of government, ex-presidents, heads of political parties, mayors of the nine departmental capitols and El Alto, the association of municipalities, the presidents of the nine departmental civic committees, four representatives of indigenous organizations, two from trade unions, and two from large businesses.<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=292}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2002-05-12|title=Mesa quiere reunir hasta 100 personas en el Encuentro por la Unidad.|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-quiere-reunir-hasta-100-personas-en-el-encuentro-por-la-unidad-12290|access-date=2022-01-01|archive-date=2 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102163428/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-quiere-reunir-hasta-100-personas-en-el-encuentro-por-la-unidad-12290|url-status=live}}</ref> While the [[Catholic Church]], the Human Rights Assembly, and some civic groups agreed to participate, most political parties rejected the meeting, including both the MNR and MAS. Mesa was ultimately forced to suspend the event after Congress declined to attend.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2005-05-12|title=El Congreso declinó asistir a 'Encuentro Nacional por la Unidad'|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/el-congreso-declino-asistir-a-encuentro-nacional-por-la-unidad-1761|access-date=2021-12-30|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231221522/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/el-congreso-declino-asistir-a-encuentro-nacional-por-la-unidad-1761|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2005-05-14|title=Mesa suspende convocatoria al diálogo por la unidad en Bolivia|language=es|work=[[ABC Color]]|agency=[[EFE]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Asunción|url=https://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/internacionales/mesa-suspende-convocatoria-al-dialogo-por-la-unidad-en-bolivia-830480.html|access-date=2021-12-30|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231074309/https://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/internacionales/mesa-suspende-convocatoria-al-dialogo-por-la-unidad-en-bolivia-830480.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

By this point, the country faced increasingly debilitating strikes and demonstrations from opposing groups seeking conflicting goals. The MAS demanded the urgent convocation of a constituent assembly to rewrite the Constitution. They were supported by trade unions, which additionally called for the immediate nationalization of gas. In the eastern departments, protests were held calling for a referendum on autonomies. The unrest was exacerbated by the indecision of Congress, which remained deadlocked over whether to convene the constituent assembly and later hold the autonomies referendum or hold both constituent elections and the referendum simultaneously. Finally, on 2 June, Mesa opted to circumvent the legislature and, by supreme decree, scheduled the referendum and elections for the constituent assembly for 16 October.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Forero|first=Juan|author-link=Juan Forero|date=2005-06-04|title=Bolivian Offers Reform Plan to Protesters Seeking Autonomy|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|location=Bogotá|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/04/world/americas/bolivian-offers-reform-plan-to-protesters-seeking-autonomy.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-12-16|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216201250/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/04/world/americas/bolivian-offers-reform-plan-to-protesters-seeking-autonomy.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mesa Gisbert |first=Carlos D. |date=2005-06-02 |title=Decreto Supremo N° 28195 |url=http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/28195 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105001157/http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/normas/buscar/28195 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |access-date=2022-01-04 |website=Gaceta Oficial del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia |language=es |publication-place=La Paz}}</ref>

Mesa's actions failed to quell the unrest and were rejected by both left-wing and right-wing sectors of the country. Faced with the tense political situation and unwilling to allow military action against protesters, Mesa tendered his resignation on 6 June. With that, the responsibility fell to Congress to accept it and swear in a new individual to the presidency. The candidate next in line to succeed Mesa was Hormando Vaca Díez, the president of the Senate, followed by [[Mario Cossío]] of the Chamber of Deputies.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2005-06-07|title=Carlos Mesa renuncia a Presidencia de Bolivia|language=es|work=[[La Nación (San José)|La Nación]]|agency=[[Reuters]] and [[EFE]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=San José|url=https://www.nacion.com/el-mundo/carlos-mesa-renuncia-a-presidencia-de-bolivia/Y227TVGIRZGLLDL3TM2S2FTPFE/story/|access-date=2021-10-19|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008012706/https://www.nacion.com/el-mundo/carlos-mesa-renuncia-a-presidencia-de-bolivia/Y227TVGIRZGLLDL3TM2S2FTPFE/story/|url-status=live}}</ref> Viewing that the country would not accept such a succession by members of the traditional political parties, Mesa called on Vaca Díez and Cossío to renounce their succession rights to avoid an "explosion" in the country. This request was not considered by Vaca Díez, who announced his intention to convene a session of Congress in Sucre—La Paz was almost entirely blockaded—to accept Mesa's resignation and install himself as president.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Staff writer|date=2005-06-07|title=Bolivia: Mesa pide a Vaca Díez y Cossío que renuncien a la sucesion constitucional|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/bolivia/bolibia-mesa-pide-vaca-diez-y-cossio-que-renuncien-la-sucesion-constitucional|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-04|website=[[ReliefWeb]]|location=La Paz|language=es|publication-place=New York City|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105031247/https://reliefweb.int/report/bolivia/bolibia-mesa-pide-vaca-diez-y-cossio-que-renuncien-la-sucesion-constitucional}}</ref> After three days of resistance, Vaca Díez conceded to popular pressure and, along with Cossío, the two legislative heads renounced their right to succession.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2005-06-10|title=Los titulares de las Cámaras de Bolivia renuncian a suceder a Mesa si el Congreso acepta su renuncia|work=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Madrid|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2005/06/10/internacional/1118367545.html|access-date=2022-01-04|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105031235/https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2005/06/10/internacional/1118367545.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At 11:45&nbsp;p.m. on 9 June 2005, [[Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé]], the president of the Supreme Court of Justice, was sworn in as the 64th president of Bolivia at an extraordinary session of Congress held in Sucre.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2005-06-10 |title=Rodríguez asume presidencia de Bolivia |language=es |work=[[DW (Español)|Deutsche Welle]] |agency=[[Reuters]] |publication-place=Berlin |url=https://p.dw.com/p/6kx1 |url-status=live |access-date=2022-01-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113060537/https://www.dw.com/es/rodr%C3%ADguez-asume-presidencia-de-bolivia/a-1610451 |archive-date=13 January 2022}}</ref> The following day, Mesa received Rodríguez Veltzé in La Paz. For Mesa, "that moment had an immense symbolic load. I had entered through the front door and was leaving through the front  door, with my forehead high and looking the country in the eye".<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=317}}</ref>

== Post-presidency (2005–2018) ==
[[File:Carlos Mesa in 2016.jpg|thumb|alt=Carlos Mesa speaks into a microphone|Mesa at a panel of the Global Rule of Law Exchange in [[São Paulo]], 2016.]]
After his departure from the Palacio Quemado, Mesa retired from politics and returned to his work as a journalist. In 2008, he published ''Presidencia Sitiada'', a memoir of his time as head of state. The following year, together with Mario Espinoza, he directed, wrote, and narrated ''Bolivia Siglo XX'', a documentary series covering the most important events in twentieth-century Bolivian history.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Zúñiga |first=Diego |date=2019-10-16 |title=Carlos Mesa: rival de Evo, aliado de Evo, rival de Evo |language=es |work=[[DW (Español)|Deutsche Welle]] |publication-place=Berlin |url=https://p.dw.com/p/3RPAs |access-date=2021-12-16}}</ref> On 7 December 2012, the  Association of Journalists of La Paz awarded Mesa the National Journalism Award for his extensive contributions to Bolivian media.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2012-12-05|title=Carlos Mesa es Premio Nacional de Periodismo 2012|language=es|work=[[Los Tiempos]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Cochabamba|url=https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/nacional/20121205/carlos-mesa-es-premio-nacional-periodismo-2012|access-date=2021-12-30|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230200313/https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/nacional/20121205/carlos-mesa-es-premio-nacional-periodismo-2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2012-12-05|title=Carlos Mesa es Premio Nacional de periodismo 2012|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/sociedad/carlos-mesa-es-premio-nacional-de-periodismo-2012-325051-325038|access-date=2021-12-30|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230200247/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/sociedad/carlos-mesa-es-premio-nacional-de-periodismo-2012-325051-325038|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Spokesman for the Maritime Demand ===
{{Further|Obligation to Negotiate Access to the Pacific Ocean}}On 28 April 2014, now-president Evo Morales announced the appointment of Mesa as a member of the team of the Strategic Directorate of the Maritime Claim (DIREMAR). As outlined by the president, Mesa's task would be to represent Bolivia's maritime claim in all international forums, presenting the legal and historical bases of the country's claim against Chile, for which it had filed a lawsuit with the [[International Court of Justice]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-04-28|title=Presidente Morales invita a Carlos Mesa a encargarse de explicar la Demanda Maritima ante el mundo.|url=http://www.diremar.gob.bo/diremar/index.php/2014/04/28/presidente-morales-invita-a-carlos-mesa-a-encargarse-de-explicar-la-demanda-maritima-ante-el-mundo/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-16|website=Dirección Estratégica de Reivindicación Marítima|language=es|publication-place=La Paz|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216232653/http://www.diremar.gob.bo/diremar/index.php/2014/04/28/presidente-morales-invita-a-carlos-mesa-a-encargarse-de-explicar-la-demanda-maritima-ante-el-mundo/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2014-04-29|title=Exmandatario boliviano Carlos Mesa explicará demanda contra Chile|language=es|work=[[BBC Mundo]]|publication-place=London|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/ultimas_noticias/2014/04/140428_ultnot_bolivia_carlos_mesa_la_haya_jgc|access-date=2021-12-16|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216232650/https://www.bbc.com/mundo/ultimas_noticias/2014/04/140428_ultnot_bolivia_carlos_mesa_la_haya_jgc|url-status=live}}</ref> The decision to appoint Mesa did not come as a surprise; several politicians in past weeks, including President of the Chamber of Deputies [[Marcelo Elío Chávez]], had suggested his inclusion on the DIREMAR team due to his historical expertise. Speculation had even arisen that he might be appointed ambassador to Peru, an extreme Morales was not entirely comfortable with and which he circumvented by specifying that Mesa's new post would not constitute an official diplomatic office because "it is not necessary for him to have this position [since] as a former president and former vice president he has all the authority to assume this responsibility".<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Mealla|first1=Luis|last2=Atahuichi|first2=Rubén|date=2014-04-29|title=El Presidente designa a Mesa y refuerza la estrategia ante la CIJ|language=es|work=[[La Razón (La Paz)|La Razón]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.la-razon.com/nacional/2014/04/29/el-presidente-designa-a-mesa-y-refuerza-la-estrategia-ante-la-cij/|access-date=2021-12-16|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216232651/https://www.la-razon.com/nacional/2014/04/29/el-presidente-designa-a-mesa-y-refuerza-la-estrategia-ante-la-cij/|url-status=live}}</ref> This fact was reiterated by Mesa, who stated that he had agreed with the president that "I am not a public official, I will not be appointed, nor will there be a swearing-in ceremony". He further noted that he would hold his position ''[[ad honorem]]'' and would not receive a salary for his work.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-04-29 |title=Carlos Mesa no tendrá cargo diplomático ni recibirá salario por representar a Bolivia en tema marítimo |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2014/4/29/carlos-mesa-tendra-cargo-diplomatico-recibira-salario-representar-bolivia-tema-maritimo-20202.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216232629/https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2014/4/29/carlos-mesa-tendra-cargo-diplomatico-recibira-salario-representar-bolivia-tema-maritimo-20202.html |archive-date=16 December 2021}}</ref> However, as noted by economist Alberto Bonadona, following his appointment, the government began paying Mesa the [[life annuity]] that corresponded to him as a former president, which it had previously blocked from being delivered. "With all certainty, they [paid] him retroactively", Bonadona stated.<ref name=":QS-2020">{{Cite news |title=Carlos Mesa, un intelectual en continua adaptación |language=es |work=La Pública |url=https://quierenlasilla.lapublica.org.bo/tbuilder-layout/mesa/ |url-status=live |access-date=2022-05-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514031810/https://quierenlasilla.lapublica.org.bo/tbuilder-layout/mesa/ |archive-date=2022-05-14}}</ref>

[[File:Libro del Mar.png|thumb|225x225px|alt=Cover of "The Book of the Sea"|Cover of ''The Book of the Sea'', coordinated by Mesa.]]

Mesa began his task with an eye towards the 50th [[Group of 77|G77 + China]] Summit, hosted by Bolivia in Santa Cruz de la Sierra between 14 and 15 June of that year. While Mesa stated that Bolivia would not seek an official statement of solidarity from the member states present, he highlighted the gathering as an opportunity to disseminate the country's maritime claim and stated that the meeting "should have the issue of the sea as a fundamental aspect".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Q. |first=Armando |date=2014-05-23 |title=Mesa decide aprovechar las dos jornadas de la Cumbre G77 para posicionar el tema mar |language=es |work=Oxígeno |publication-place=La Paz |url=http://www.oxigeno.bo/pol%C3%ADtica/788 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217014245/http://www.oxigeno.bo/pol%C3%ADtica/788 |archive-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Ariñez|first=Rubén|date=2014-04-30|title=Carlos Mesa: 'El G77+China debe tener el tema del mar como un aspecto fundamental'|work=[[La Razón (La Paz)|La Razón]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.la-razon.com/nacional/2014/04/30/carlos-mesa-el-g77china-debe-tener-el-tema-del-mar-como-un-aspecto-fundamental/|access-date=2021-12-16|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217014228/https://www.la-razon.com/nacional/2014/04/30/carlos-mesa-el-g77china-debe-tener-el-tema-del-mar-como-un-aspecto-fundamental/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 June, Mesa and Morales jointly presented ''El Libro del Mar'' at a ceremony in the Palacio Quemado. The book, distributed to the attendees of the G77 in the previous days, described the essential arguments that Bolivia intended to present to the international community.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2014-06-17|title=Bolivia entregó el 'Libro del mar' en el G77 y se alista gira mundial|language=es|work=[[América Economía]]|publication-place=Santiago|url=https://www.americaeconomia.com/politica-sociedad/politica/bolivia-entrego-el-libro-del-mar-en-el-g77-y-se-alista-gira-mundial|access-date=2021-12-16|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217014244/https://www.americaeconomia.com/politica-sociedad/politica/bolivia-entrego-el-libro-del-mar-en-el-g77-y-se-alista-gira-mundial|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2014-06-16|title=Bolivia presenta el 'Libro del Mar' con la historia de su reclamo a Chile|work=[[Última Hora (Paraguay)|Última Hora]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Asunción|url=https://www.ultimahora.com/bolivia-presenta-el-libro-del-mar-la-historia-su-reclamo-chile-n804190.html|access-date=2021-12-16|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217014224/https://www.ultimahora.com/bolivia-presenta-el-libro-del-mar-la-historia-su-reclamo-chile-n804190.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{External media|float=left|caption=[[Juan Manuel Astorga]] interviews Mesa for the program ''El Informante ''|headerimage=[[File:Logotipo del Canal 24 Horas.png|x40px|left]]|video1=[https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/videography/video/63 Entrevista en Santiago de Chile]|topic=Interview in Santiago, Chile}}

During this time, a notable dichotomy between Mesa's international and domestic relationship with Morales developed. On the one hand, he supported and closely cooperated with the president on matters relating to the maritime lawsuit. At the same time, he remained harshly critical of the government's undemocratic tendencies, and the ruling party filed various legal complaints against him, the most notable being the Quiborax case in which he was accused of breach of duties for actions taken during his presidency.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-06-13|title=Claves para entender el caso Quiborax; un juicio en el que Bolivia pierde $us 42,6 millones|language=es|work=[[Los Tiempos]]|publication-place=Cochabamba|url=https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/economia/20180613/claves-entender-caso-quiborax-juicio-que-bolivia-pierde-us-426-millones|access-date=2021-12-30|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230173021/https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/economia/20180613/claves-entender-caso-quiborax-juicio-que-bolivia-pierde-us-426-millones|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":10" /> Vice President [[Álvaro García Linera]] described Mesa as "an excellent explainer of the maritime cause" but stated that "as a politician, internally, he is a resounding failure".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-11-01|title=Mesa, criticado por Morales, responde que 'el mar está por encima de todo'|language=es|work=[[Qué Pasa (newspaper)|Qué Pasa]]|agency=[[EFE]]|publication-place=Raleigh|url=https://quepasamedia.com/noticias/mundo/sudamerica/mesa-criticado-por-morales-responde-que-el-mar-esta-por-encima-de-todo/|access-date=2022-01-01|archive-date=1 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101094338/https://quepasamedia.com/noticias/mundo/sudamerica/mesa-criticado-por-morales-responde-que-el-mar-esta-por-encima-de-todo/|url-status=live}}</ref> Nonetheless, in 2019, Mesa affirmed that, if asked to return as spokesman for the maritime cause, he "would do it again one, two, five, 100, 200 times more".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-08-21|title=Mesa: Volvería a ser vocero marítimo una y 200 veces más|language=es|work=[[Correo del Sur]]|publication-place=Sucre|url=https://correodelsur.com/politica/20190821_mesa-volveria-a-ser-vocero-maritimo-una-y-200-veces-mas.html|access-date=2022-01-01|archive-date=1 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101094337/https://correodelsur.com/politica/20190821_mesa-volveria-a-ser-vocero-maritimo-una-y-200-veces-mas.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In late September 2018, Mesa traveled to [[The Hague]] to hear the ICJ's final ruling.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-09-26|title=Carlos Mesa viajará a La Haya para escuchar el fallo de la demanda marítima|language=es|work=[[Correo del Sur]]|agency=[[El Deber]]|publication-place=Sucre|url=https://correodelsur.com/politica/20180926_carlos-mesa-viajara-a-la-haya-para-escuchar-el-fallo-de-la-demanda-maritima.html|access-date=2022-01-01|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217002601/https://correodelsur.com/politica/20180926_carlos-mesa-viajara-a-la-haya-para-escuchar-el-fallo-de-la-demanda-maritima.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview for the Chilean newspaper ''[[La Tercera]]'', Mesa assured that "the Bolivian people are prepared to receive the ruling regardless of its content" and urged both countries to abide by the court's decision.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Artaza|first=Francisco|date=2018-09-29|title=Carlos Mesa, vocero de la demanda marítima boliviana: 'La fuerza de Bolivia está en someterse a la corte y acatar su fallo'|language=es|work=[[La Tercera]]|publication-place=Santiago|url=https://www.latercera.com/reportajes/noticia/carlos-mesa-vocero-la-demanda-maritima-boliviana-la-fuerza-bolivia-esta-someterse-la-corte-acatar-fallo/335107/|access-date=2021-12-16|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108224812/https://www.latercera.com/reportajes/noticia/carlos-mesa-vocero-la-demanda-maritima-boliviana-la-fuerza-bolivia-esta-someterse-la-corte-acatar-fallo/335107/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 October 2018, by a vote of twelve to three, the ICJ ruled that Chile was not obligated to negotiate sovereign access to the Pacific with Bolivia.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mitchell|first=Charlotte|date=2018-10-01|title=Chile not obliged to negotiate sea access with Bolivia: ICJ|language=en|work=[[Aljazeera.com|Al Jazeera]]|publication-place=Qatar|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/10/1/chile-not-obliged-to-negotiate-sea-access-with-bolivia-icj|access-date=2022-01-01|archive-date=2 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102021713/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/10/1/chile-not-obliged-to-negotiate-sea-access-with-bolivia-icj|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after, Mesa called on Bolivians to "accept the ruling even though it seems unfair". He urged the government to respect the decision and asked that it move forward with a new policy towards Chile with the understanding that it is not obliged to negotiate.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-10-04|title=Bolivia: former president asks to accept the Hague ruling|language=es|work=[[Deutsche Welle]]|publication-place=Berlin|url=https://p.dw.com/p/35wTv|access-date=2022-01-01|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113060526/https://www.dw.com/es/bolivia-expresidente-pide-aceptar-el-fallo-de-la-haya/a-45745455|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Return to politics (2018–present) ==
In mid-2018, Mesa appeared as a lead contender against Morales in early voting intention polls. On 29 July 2018, the company ''Mercados y Samples'' released a poll for ''Página Siete'' that showed Mesa with a first-round favorability of twenty-five percent, two points behind Morales' twenty-seven percent. Such a result would launch a [[Two-round system|runoff]] in which polling gave Mesa an over ten-point victory of forty-eight percent over Morales' thirty-two percent. MAS Senator [[Ciro Zabala]] credited this polling victory to the opposition making Mesa seem "victimized" by the Quiborax case. This point was reiterated by Deputy [[Edgar Montaño]], who admitted that the controversy "makes Mesa grow". On the other hand, opposition leaders affirmed that Mesa's popularity was due to what they claimed to be political persecution by the government against him.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Layme |first=Beatriz |date=2018-07-29 |title=Intención de voto coloca a Morales con un 27% y a Carlos Mesa con 25% |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/7/29/intencion-de-voto-coloca-morales-con-un-27-carlos-mesa-con-25-188744.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209202413/https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/7/29/intencion-de-voto-coloca-morales-con-un-27-carlos-mesa-con-25-188744.html |archive-date=9 December 2021}}</ref>

{{External media|float=right|caption=Carlos Mesa announces his candidacy for the presidency|headerimage=[[File:Logo CC.png|alt=Logo of Civic Community|x40px|left]]|video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRDdmRJReQU& Carlos Mesa anuncia su candidatura a la presidencia del Estado – "Por un Gobierno de Ciudadanos"]|topic=For a Government of Citizens}}

In an interview with ''Erbol'' on 19 September, Mesa declared that he would not make any political statements or comment on his potential candidacy "as long as the issue of the sea is the fundamental question", committing himself entirely to his duties until the ruling by The Hague on 1 October.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-09-18 |title=Carlos Mesa no hablará de política y candidatura hasta el 1 de octubre |language=es |work=ERBOL |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://anteriorportal.erbol.com.bo/noticia/politica/19092018/mesa_no_hablara_de_politica_y_candidatura_hasta_el_fallo |url-status=live |access-date=2021-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208104741/https://anteriorportal.erbol.com.bo/noticia/politica/19092018/mesa_no_hablara_de_politica_y_candidatura_hasta_el_fallo |archive-date=8 December 2021}}</ref> On 5 October, the [[Revolutionary Left Front (Bolivia)|Revolutionary Left Front]] (FRI) formally invited Mesa to be the party's presidential candidate in the 2019 elections. While Mesa claimed that he would make a decision "in the next few hours", both Walter Villagra, secretary-general of the FRI, and Mesa's lawyer, Carlos Alarcón, confirmed that he had already accepted.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-10-05 |title=El FRI invita a Mesa a ser su candidato; él analiza la propuesta |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/5/el-fri-invita-mesa-ser-su-candidato-el-analiza-la-propuesta-196018.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209202428/https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/5/el-fri-invita-mesa-ser-su-candidato-el-analiza-la-propuesta-196018.html |archive-date=9 December 2021}}</ref> The following day, Mesa formally launched his 2019 presidential candidacy. In a video message titled "For a Government of Citizens", Mesa stated that "I have made{{nbsp}}... the decision to be a candidate for the presidency of the State. And I do so for a very clear reason, because this is a time of historical inflection, because we are at the beginning, on the threshold of a new time".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-10-06|title=Bolivia: el ex mandatario Carlos Mesa lanzó su candidatura presidencial para enfrentar a Evo Morales en 2019|language=es|work=[[Infobae]]|publication-place=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2018/10/06/bolivia-el-ex-mandatario-carlos-mesa-lanzo-su-candidatura-presidencial-para-enfrentar-a-evo-morales-en-2019/|access-date=2021-12-08|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208105633/https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2018/10/06/bolivia-el-ex-mandatario-carlos-mesa-lanzo-su-candidatura-presidencial-para-enfrentar-a-evo-morales-en-2019/|url-status=live}}</ref> He further outlined his intention to form "a citizen movement" which would break "the exhausted cycle" of over a decade of MAS rule.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bolivia: Carlos Mesa rivalizará con Morales en elecciones |language=es |work=[[DW (Español)|Deutsche Welle]] |publication-place=Berlin |url=https://p.dw.com/p/366Cf |url-status=live |access-date=2021-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113060502/https://www.dw.com/es/bolivia-carlos-mesa-rivalizar%C3%A1-con-morales-en-elecciones/a-45782825 |archive-date=13 January 2022}}</ref> Mesa's announcement was hailed by various opposition groups, including leaders both the [[National Unity Front]] (UN) and the [[Social Democratic Movement]] (MDS), who signaled their hopes of sealing an alliance with the FRI.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Layme |first=Beatriz |date=2018-10-07 |title=Mesa lanza su candidatura y llama a colectivos y partidos |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/7/mesa-lanza-su-candidatura-llama-colectivos-partidos-196170.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208105643/https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/7/mesa-lanza-su-candidatura-llama-colectivos-partidos-196170.html |archive-date=8 December 2021}}</ref>

=== Leader of Civic Community ===
{{Further|Civic Community}}
On 24 October, La Paz Mayor [[Luis Revilla]] announced that his Sovereignty and Liberty (SOL.bo) civic group had decided to support Mesa's candidacy.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-10-24 |title=SOL.bo propone alianza a Mesa y propone agenda programática |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/24/solbo-propone-alianza-mesa-propone-agenda-programatica-197934.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208105715/https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/24/solbo-propone-alianza-mesa-propone-agenda-programatica-197934.html |archive-date=8 December 2021}}</ref> After a 26-minute tour through the Central Urban Park of La Paz on 30 October, Mesa and Revilla announced to the media that they had agreed to form a coalition between the two parties.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pomacahua |first=Pamela |date=2018-10-31 |title=Revilla firma con Mesa y deja que él elija a su acompañante |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/31/revilla-firma-con-mesa-deja-que-el-elija-su-acompanante-198665.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208113054/https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/31/revilla-firma-con-mesa-deja-que-el-elija-su-acompanante-198665.html |archive-date=8 December 2021}}</ref> The agreement was formalized the following day<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-10-31|title=Carlos Mesa y Luis Revilla firman alianza de cara a las elecciones primarias|url=https://www.radioamerica.net/noticias/el-mundo/291-carlos-mesa-y-luis-revilla-firman-alianza-de-cara-a-las-elecciones-primarias|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=radioamerica.net|language=es|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208110058/https://www.radioamerica.net/noticias/el-mundo/291-carlos-mesa-y-luis-revilla-firman-alianza-de-cara-a-las-elecciones-primarias}}</ref> and registered with the [[Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Bolivia|Supreme Electoral Tribunal]] (TSE) on 13 November 2018 under the name Civic Community (CC). The alliance initially included the FRI, SOL.bo, and over 50 citizens platforms.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-11-13|title=Mesa y Revilla oficializan la alianza política 'Comunidad Ciudadana' ante el TSE|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-y-revilla-oficializan-la-alianza-politica-34comunidad-ciudadana-34-ante-el-tse-392840|access-date=2021-12-08|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208135601/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/mesa-y-revilla-oficializan-la-alianza-politica-34comunidad-ciudadana-34-ante-el-tse-392840|url-status=live}}</ref> However, CC failed to gather a fully unified opposition pact as UN and MDS formalized their own alliance while other parties registered individually.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cuiza|first=Paulo|date=2018-11-14|title=UN y Demócratas oficializan alianza 'Bolivia Dice No' y se abren a recibir cualquier candidatura|language=es|work=[[La Razón (La Paz)|La Razón]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.la-razon.com/nacional/2018/11/14/un-y-democratas-oficializan-alianza-bolivia-dice-no-y-se-abren-a-recibir-cualquier-candidatura/|access-date=2021-12-08|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208104827/https://www.la-razon.com/nacional/2018/11/14/un-y-democratas-oficializan-alianza-bolivia-dice-no-y-se-abren-a-recibir-cualquier-candidatura/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jhonny Fernández]], leader of UCS, explained that sealing a deal was difficult because the FRI was "not interested in working with leaders who were in political and administrative positions in previous governments".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-10-28 |title=UCS ve difícil una alianza con Mesa para el 2019 |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/28/ucs-ve-dificil-una-alianza-con-mesa-para-el-2019-198360.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208112801/https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/28/ucs-ve-dificil-una-alianza-con-mesa-para-el-2019-198360.html |archive-date=8 December 2021}}</ref>

==== 2019 presidential election ====
{{Main|2019 Bolivian general election}}
{{See also|Civic Community#2019 general election}}
[[File:2019 Bolivian elections map.png|thumb|alt=Results of the 2019 Bolivian general election|Annulled 2019 departmental election results.]]
One of the agreements made by Revilla and Mesa was that the latter would be free to nominate his running mate.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pomacahua |first=Pamela |date=2018-10-31 |title=Revilla firma con Mesa y deja que él elija a su acompañante |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/31/revilla-firma-con-mesa-deja-que-el-elija-su-acompanante-198665.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208113054/https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2018/10/31/revilla-firma-con-mesa-deja-que-el-elija-su-acompanante-198665.html |archive-date=8 December 2021}}</ref> On 27 November, Mesa announced that [[Gustavo Pedraza]], his former minister of sustainable development, would accompany him as his vice-presidential candidate.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-11-27|title=Gustavo Pedraza acompañará a Mesa como candidato a la Vicepresidencia|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/gustavo-pedraza-acompanara-a-mesa-como-candidato-a-la-vicepresidencia-del-pais--393177|access-date=2021-12-20|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221025804/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/gustavo-pedraza-acompanara-a-mesa-como-candidato-a-la-vicepresidencia-del-pais--393177|url-status=live}}</ref> Civic Community opened its electoral campaign in [[Tarija]] with a "door to door" canvassing drive and the announcement of a national tour through the country.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Tapia|first=Guadalupe|date=2019-07-28|title=Carlos Mesa inicia campaña 'puerta a puerta' en Tarija con más de 1.000 voluntarios de CC|language=es|work=[[La Razón (La Paz)|La Razón]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.la-razon.com/nacional/2019/07/28/carlos-mesa-inicia-campana-puerta-a-puerta-en-tarija-con-mas-de-1-000-voluntarios-de-cc/|access-date=2021-12-20|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221025816/https://www.la-razon.com/nacional/2019/07/28/carlos-mesa-inicia-campana-puerta-a-puerta-en-tarija-con-mas-de-1-000-voluntarios-de-cc/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-05-02|title=Carlos Mesa inicia en Tarija su campaña electoral y anuncia una gira nacional|language=es|work=[[Los Tiempos]]|publication-place=Cochabamba|url=https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/pais/20190205/carlos-mesa-inicia-tarija-su-campana-electoral-anuncia-gira-nacional|access-date=2021-12-20|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221025838/https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/pais/20190205/carlos-mesa-inicia-tarija-su-campana-electoral-anuncia-gira-nacional|url-status=live}}</ref> One of Mesa's main campaign tactics was to denounce Morales' bid for a fourth term as illegal due to the fact that voters [[2016 Bolivian constitutional referendum|rejected abolishing term limits]] in 2016.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=González |first=Diego |date=2019-10-09 |title=Carlos Mesa: 'No reconozco la candidatura de Evo Morales' |language=es |work=[[DW (Español)|Deutsche Welle]] |publication-place=Berlin |url=https://p.dw.com/p/3QyWY |url-status=live |access-date=2021-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113060503/https://www.dw.com/es/carlos-mesa-no-reconozco-la-candidatura-de-evo-morales/a-50758194 |archive-date=13 January 2022}}</ref> In that vein, he promoted the strengthening of democratic institutions and additionally ran on environmental protection and addressing corruption.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-10-21|title=Bolivia: Evo Morales leads election, faces presidential runoff|language=en|work=[[Deutsche Welle]]|publication-place=Berlin|url=https://p.dw.com/p/3Rc3N|access-date=2021-12-23|quote=Mesa{{nbsp}}... campaigned on a platform of boosting environmental protection, strengthening democratic institutions and tackling corruption.|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113060503/https://www.dw.com/en/bolivia-evo-morales-leads-election-faces-presidential-runoff/a-50910145|url-status=live}}</ref>

===== Crisis: Mesa calls fraud =====
{{Main|2019 Bolivian protests}}
{{Further|2019 Bolivian political crisis}}
General elections were held on 20 October. By the following day, with a provisional count of eighty-three percent of ballots, Morales and Mesa appeared poised for a second round in December. Mesa hailed his movement's "unquestionable triumph"{{efn|The move to a second round was considered especially significant as it was the first time Morales failed to achieve a first round victory with over  fifty percent support since being first [[2005 Bolivian general election|elected in 2005]].<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2019-10-21|title=Bolivia's Evo Morales likely forced to presidential runoff|language=en-US|work=[[NBCNews.com|NBC]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=New York City|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/bolivia-s-evo-morales-likely-forced-presidential-runoff-n1069356|access-date=2021-12-23|quote=President Evo Morales{{nbsp}}... appears to have failed to get enough votes to avoid the first runoff in his nearly 14 years in power.|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224015322/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/bolivia-s-evo-morales-likely-forced-presidential-runoff-n1069356|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2019-10-21|title=Mesa llama a la movilización ciudadana para evitar un fraude en Bolivia|language=es|work=[[Opinión]]|agency=[[EFE]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Cochabamba|url=https://www.opinion.com.bo/articulo/pais/mesa-llama-movilizacion-ciudadana-evitar-fraude-bolivia/20191021080405733219.html|access-date=2021-12-23|quote=Morales{{nbsp}}... had always won with a majority in the first round in three consecutive elections, so if a new appointment with the polls is confirmed, it would be the first{{nbsp}}...|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224013437/https://www.opinion.com.bo/articulo/pais/mesa-llama-movilizacion-ciudadana-evitar-fraude-bolivia/20191021080405733219.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}} and swiftly took steps to gather the endorsements of the other opposition parties for the "definitive triumph" in the runoff.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-10-21|title=Bolivia: Evo Morales leads election, faces presidential runoff|language=en|work=[[Deutsche Welle]]|publication-place=Berlin|url=https://p.dw.com/p/3Rc3N|access-date=2021-12-23|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113060520/https://www.dw.com/en/bolivia-evo-morales-leads-election-faces-presidential-runoff/a-50910145|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after, however, he expressed concern that the government's official live count had paralyzed at 27.14 percent and called for civic mobilizations and opposition demonstrations before the TSE and its departmental branches to avoid suspected [[Electoral fraud|fraud]].<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2019-10-21|title=Mesa llama a la movilización ciudadana para evitar un fraude en Bolivia|language=es|work=[[EFE]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.efe.com/efe/america/politica/mesa-llama-a-la-movilizacion-ciudadana-para-evitar-un-fraude-en-bolivia/20000035-4092105|access-date=2021-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224013432/https://www.efe.com/efe/america/politica/mesa-llama-a-la-movilizacion-ciudadana-para-evitar-un-fraude-en-bolivia/20000035-4092105|url-status=live}}</ref> After a full day without live results, the TSE released its updated count, which placed Morales at 46.86 percent and Mesa at 36.72 percent, with ninety-five percent of votes tallied. Such an outcome gave the president an over ten-point lead by a margin of just 0.1 percent, sufficient to circumvent a runoff.{{efn|In Bolivia, a second round is avoided by one candidate either reaching fifty percent of the vote or achieving a plurality with ten percent more votes than the next closest competitor.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-10-21|title=Elecciones en Bolivia: el conteo preliminar sitúa a Evo Morales como virtual ganador sin necesidad de segunda vuelta y en medio de denuncias de fraude|language=es|work=[[BBC Mundo]]|publication-place=London|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-50134370|access-date=2021-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224013428/https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-50134370|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Mesa denounced the unexpected result as "distorted and rigged" and alleged "a gigantic fraud underway". As a result, he called for his supporters to "permanently mobilize" until a second round was agreed to.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-10-22|title=Elecciones en Bolivia: Mesa denuncia un 'fraude escandaloso' en el recuento de los votos y la OEA muestra su 'profunda preocupación'|language=es|work=[[BBC Mundo]]|publication-place=London|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-50134563|access-date=2021-12-22|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224014341/https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-50134563|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-10-23|title=Mesa denuncia un 'fraude gigantesco' y llama a la 'movilización permanente' hasta lograr la segunda vuelta en Bolivia|language=es|work=[[Europa Press (news agency)|Europa Press]]|publication-place=Madrid|url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-mesa-denuncia-fraude-gigantesco-llama-movilizacion-permanente-lograr-segunda-vuelta-bolivia-20191023203117.html|access-date=2021-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224013430/https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-mesa-denuncia-fraude-gigantesco-llama-movilizacion-permanente-lograr-segunda-vuelta-bolivia-20191023203117.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 3 November, in the midst of an increasingly unsustainable political situation, Mesa insisted on the resignation of the members of the TSE and the convocation of fresh general elections under the supervision of new electoral authorities, rejecting a second round as untenable while at the same time implicitly refusing to support the more radical demands from Santa Cruz civic leaders like [[Luis Fernando Camacho]] that Morales resign.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-11-04 |title=Mesa propone nuevas elecciones y con renovado Órgano Electoral |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2019/11/4/mesa-propone-nuevas-elecciones-con-renovado-organo-electoral-236356.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224043548/https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2019/11/4/mesa-propone-nuevas-elecciones-con-renovado-organo-electoral-236356.html |archive-date=24 December 2021}}</ref> By 10 November, however, Mesa had joined the call for Morales to step aside "if he has an iota of patriotism left".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-11-10|title=El opositor Carlos Mesa pide la renuncia de Evo Morales|language=es|work=[[Radio France Internationale]]|publication-place=Paris|url=https://www.rfi.fr/es/americas/20191110-el-opositor-carlos-mesa-pide-la-renuncia-de-evo-morales|access-date=2021-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224051721/https://www.rfi.fr/es/americas/20191110-el-opositor-carlos-mesa-pide-la-renuncia-de-evo-morales|url-status=live}}</ref> The day before that, he rejected Morales' call for dialogue with the opposition, stating: "I have nothing to negotiate".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-11-09|title=Mesa: 'No tengo nada que negociar con Evo Morales'|language=es|work=[[Los Tiempos]]|publication-place=Cochabamba|url=https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/pais/20191109/mesa-no-tengo-nada-que-negociar-evo-morales|access-date=2021-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224063007/https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/pais/20191109/mesa-no-tengo-nada-que-negociar-evo-morales|url-status=live}}</ref>

After twenty days of continuous demonstrations and with his grip on the country slipping, Morales, together with his vice president, announced his abdication on 10 November.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-11-10|title=Minuto a minuto: Evo Morales renuncia a la presidencia de Bolivia|language=es|work=[[CN͠N]]|publication-place=Atlanta|url=https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2019/11/10/minuto-a-minuto-evo-morales-convoca-a-nuevas-elecciones-tras-informe-de-la-oea/|access-date=2021-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224051724/https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2019/11/10/minuto-a-minuto-evo-morales-convoca-a-nuevas-elecciones-tras-informe-de-la-oea/|url-status=live}}</ref> After a series of ensuing resignations that exhausted the presidential line of succession followed by two days of uncertainty, opposition senator [[Jeanine Áñez]] was proclaimed, first, president of the Senate and, through that, president of the State. Two days later, Mesa gave his support to the transitional government but assured that his alliance would not participate in it in order to focus its attention on soon-to-be called elections.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2019-11-14|title=Mesa respalda a Áñez, pero no participará en el Gobierno interino de Bolivia|language=es|work=[[La Vanguardia]]|agency=[[EFE]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Barcelona|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/internacional/20191114/471603334228/mesa-respalda-a-anez-pero-no-participara-en-el-gobierno-interino-de-bolivia.html|access-date=2021-12-24|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224205454/https://www.lavanguardia.com/internacional/20191114/471603334228/mesa-respalda-a-anez-pero-no-participara-en-el-gobierno-interino-de-bolivia.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 8 June 2021, Áñez testified before the Prosecutor's Office that Mesa had blocked the assumption of a MAS legislator to the presidency during the 2019 crisis. During extra-legislative meetings held to discuss a solution to the serious issues facing the country, then-president of the Senate [[Adriana Salvatierra]], anticipating the possible resignation of Morales, raised her claim to constitutional succession and asked if the opposition would accept it. According to Áñez: "Mr. [Antonio] Quiroga calls Mr. Carlos Mesa by phone to consult him, and he replies that the public would not accept that succession [because] the protests would continue". Salvatierra announced her resignation an hour after Morales issued his.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-06-11|title=Áñez: Mesa se opuso a que Adriana Salvatierra asuma la presidencia en sucesión constitucional|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/anez-mesa-se-opuso-a-que-adriana-salvatierra-asuma-la-presidencia-en-sucesion-constitucional-410159|access-date=2021-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224183753/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/anez-mesa-se-opuso-a-que-adriana-salvatierra-asuma-la-presidencia-en-sucesion-constitucional-410159|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Corz|first1=Carlos|last2=Sanabria|first2=Ghilka|date=2021-06-13|title=Mesa y su entorno callan sobre las revelaciones de Áñez y Morales lo llama 'el principal golpista' de 2019|language=es|work=[[La Razón (La Paz)|La Razón]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.la-razon.com/nacional/2021/06/13/mesa-y-su-entorno-callan-sobre-las-revelaciones-de-anez-y-morales-lo-llama-el-principal-golpista/|access-date=2021-12-24|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224205454/https://www.la-razon.com/nacional/2021/06/13/mesa-y-su-entorno-callan-sobre-las-revelaciones-de-anez-y-morales-lo-llama-el-principal-golpista/|url-status=live}}</ref> Mesa did not comment on Áñez's testimony but in October affirmed that, at meetings sponsored by the Catholic Church and [[European Union]], Salvatierra never raised her right to take office. He also called back to January 2020 when she reported to ''Los Tiempos'' that her resignation had been part of a political agreement made with Morales.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tedesqui Vargas |first=Luis Marcelo |date=2021-10-19 |title=Mesa pregunta: ¿Por qué Adriana Salvatierra y Susana Rivero no asumieron la sucesión? |language=es |work=[[El Deber]] |publication-place=Santa Cruz de la Sierra |url=https://eldeber.com.bo/pais/mesa-pregunta-por-que-adriana-salvatierra-y-susana-rivero-no-asumieron-la-sucesion_251726?fb_comment_id=4867385213282593_4867520616602386 |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224205449/https://eldeber.com.bo/pais/mesa-pregunta-por-que-adriana-salvatierra-y-susana-rivero-no-asumieron-la-sucesion_251726?fb_comment_id=4867385213282593_4867520616602386 |archive-date=24 December 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Mapa Electoral de Bolivia 2020 Bolivia.svg|thumb|alt=Results of the 2020 Bolivian general elections|2020 departmental election results.]]

==== 2020 presidential election ====
{{Main|2020 Bolivian general election}}
{{See also|Civic Community#2020 general election}}
A month after the establishment of the transitional government, Mesa confirmed that he would stand as a candidate in the rerun general elections.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sardiña|first=Marina|date=2019-12-03|title=Carlos Mesa se postula como candidato a los próximos comicios de Bolivia|language=es|work=[[France24]]|agency=[[EFE]]|publication-place=Paris|url=https://www.france24.com/es/20191203-carlos-mesa-se-postula-como-candidato-a-los-pr%C3%B3ximos-comicios-de-bolivia|access-date=2021-12-24|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022124031/https://www.france24.com/es/20191203-carlos-mesa-se-postula-como-candidato-a-los-pr%C3%B3ximos-comicios-de-bolivia|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite initial hopes of leading a unified front against the MAS, Mesa's campaign quickly came up against multiple presidential hopefuls, including the candidacy of President Áñez herself, which he considered a "great mistake".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-01-25|title=Mesa considera que Áñez 'comete una gran equivocación' al postularse a la Presidencia|language=es|work=[[Los Tiempos]]|publication-place=Cochabamba|url=https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/pais/20200125/mesa-anez-comete-gran-equivocacion-al-postularse-presidencia|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225084408/https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/pais/20200125/mesa-anez-comete-gran-equivocacion-al-postularse-presidencia|url-status=live}}</ref> On 3 February, a total of seven opposition fronts were registered for the new elections, including Mesa's Civic Community as well as Áñez's Juntos alliance, Luis Fernando Camacho's [[Creemos]], and Libre21 of Jorge Quiroga, among other minor parties.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-02-02|title=Se inicia la carrera electoral con 7 frentes en lucha contra el MAS|language=es|work=InfoTarija|publication-place=Tarija|url=https://www.infotarija.com/noticias/se-inicia-la-carrera-electoral-con-7-frentes-en-lucha-contra-el-mas-2739|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113060611/https://www.infotarija.com/noticias/se-inicia-la-carrera-electoral-con-7-frentes-en-lucha-contra-el-mas-2739|url-status=live}}</ref> The fracturing of the opposition risked the dispersion of the vote and, though the various parties consolidated with the withdrawal of Áñez and Quiroga in the final weeks and days of the election cycle, Mesa's campaign was hampered nonetheless.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-09-07 |title=La dispersión del voto abre la posibilidad para el retorno del MAS al Gobierno |language=es |work=[[El Deber]] |publication-place=Santa Cruz de la Sierra |url=https://eldeber.com.bo/pais/la-dispersion-del-voto-abre-la-posibilidad-para-el-retorno-del-mas-al-gobierno_199343 |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225083459/https://eldeber.com.bo/pais/la-dispersion-del-voto-abre-la-posibilidad-para-el-retorno-del-mas-al-gobierno_199343 |archive-date=25 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Pizarro|first=Carlos|date=2020-10-13|title=Bolivia: expresidente Quiroga retira candidatura a presidente para debilitar a partido de Morales|language=es|work=[[Radio France Internationale]]|publication-place=Paris|url=https://www.rfi.fr/es/am%C3%A9ricas/20201013-bolivia-expresidente-quiroga-retira-candidatura-a-presidente-para-debilitar-a-partido-de-morales|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225083455/https://www.rfi.fr/es/am%C3%A9ricas/20201013-bolivia-expresidente-quiroga-retira-candidatura-a-presidente-para-debilitar-a-partido-de-morales|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the elections of 18 October, these factors contributed to the victory of the MAS and its candidate [[Luis Arce]] in the first round. Mesa came in second with 28.83 percent, having lost a significant percentage of the vote to Camacho, who came in third with fourteen percent.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Valdez|first=Carlos|date=2020-10-23|title=Final count gives leftist big victory in Bolivia election|language=en-US|work=[[Associated Press]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=New York City|url=https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-evo-morales-elections-socialism-bolivia-f8d2fb4ac80db6f7fd8face7c3f7b75d|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225230015/https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-evo-morales-elections-socialism-bolivia-f8d2fb4ac80db6f7fd8face7c3f7b75d|url-status=live}}</ref> Mesa conceded defeat the day after the election and noted his coalition's position as the head of the opposition in the Legislative Assembly.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Muñoz Pandiella|first=Lluís|date=2020-10-19|title=La oposición reconoce el triunfo de Luis Arce y Evo Morales se plantea volver a Bolivia|language=es|work=[[France24]]|publication-place=Paris|url=https://www.france24.com/es/am%C3%A9rica-latina/20201019-elecciones-bolivia-triunfo-luis-arce-carlos-mesa-acepta-resultados|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225230015/https://www.france24.com/es/am%C3%A9rica-latina/20201019-elecciones-bolivia-triunfo-luis-arce-carlos-mesa-acepta-resultados|url-status=live}}</ref> Analysts have attributed Mesa's electoral defeat to the "passive" nature of his campaign. Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Bolivia|COVID-19 pandemic]], Mesa's campaign remained largely virtual and failed to reach out to social sectors. At the same time, external factors such as the unpopularity of the interim government and the candidacy of Camacho, which siphoned support from Santa Cruz, contributed to Mesa's loss.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Baldivieso|first=Gina|date=2020-10-24|title=Mesa, el intelectual que no pudo conectar con las clases populares bolivianas|language=es|work=[[La Vanguardia]]|location=La Paz|publication-place=Barcelona|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20201024/484275160899/mesa-el-intelectual-que-no-pudo-conectar-con-las-clases-populares-bolivianas.html|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225231613/https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20201024/484275160899/mesa-el-intelectual-que-no-pudo-conectar-con-las-clases-populares-bolivianas.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Ideology and personality ==
[[Texas A&M University|Texas A&M]] political analyst Diego von Vacano stated that, since his reentry into politics, Mesa has "moved to the left", largely due to the fact that "Morales shifted the entire spectrum of Bolivian politics to the left". In 2020, Mesa was the only presidential candidate who expressed a willingness to open a national discussion on issues such as [[Same-sex marriage|gay marriage]], [[abortion]], and [[Legality of cannabis|marijuana legalization]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=O'Boyle|first=Brendan|date=2020-09-23|title=Bolivia Has Changed Since 2003. Has Carlos Mesa?|language=en-US|work=[[Americas Quarterly]]|publication-place=New York City|url=https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/bolivia-has-changed-since-2003-has-carlos-mesa/|access-date=2021-12-13|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208105903/https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/bolivia-has-changed-since-2003-has-carlos-mesa/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Michael Shifter]], president of the [[Inter-American Dialogue]]—of which Mesa is a member—describes Mesa as a "centrist committed to democratic values, who understands the importance of reconciliation as a condition for moving forward".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-10-16|title=Quién es Carlos Mesa, el principal candidato enfrentado al 'delfín' de Evo Morales en las elecciones presidenciales de este domingo en Bolivia|language=es|work={{Lang|es|[[El Universo]]}}|agency=[[Associated Press]]|publication-place=Guayaquil|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2020/10/16/nota/8016046/quien-es-carlos-mesa-candidato-que-podria-vencer-candidato-evo/|access-date=2021-12-13|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213102340/https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2020/10/16/nota/8016046/quien-es-carlos-mesa-candidato-que-podria-vencer-candidato-evo/|url-status=live}}</ref> Personally, Mesa states that in previous years he would have considered himself a [[Social democracy|social democrat]] but that he no longer subscribes to any singular ideological viewpoint. At the same time, he asserts that he is not "at all from the right and of the 70s Marxist leftism, less so".<ref name=":0"/> In an interview with ''[[El País (Tarija)|El País]]'' of Tarija, Mesa affirmed that "I don't think it matters if I'm from the left, center, or right".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-10-01|title=Las 15 Frases más destacadas de Carlos Mesa en Momento Clave|language=es|work=[[El País (Tarija)|El País]]|publication-place=Tarija|url=https://elpais.bo/lo-que-dicen-los-politicos/20201001_las-15-frases-mas-destacadas-de-carlos-mesa-en-momento-clave.html|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219002747/https://elpais.bo/lo-que-dicen-los-politicos/20201001_las-15-frases-mas-destacadas-de-carlos-mesa-en-momento-clave.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mesa credits his schooling at a Jesuit institution as having "always been very strong in my vision of the spiritual" but states that he has been "skeptical about religious issues for several years, the more I have delved into the subject more deeply".<ref>{{harvnb|Mesa Gisbert|2010|p=115}}</ref> In late 2018, he proposed the enactment of a law that would guarantee the [[separation of church and state]] as prescribed by the 2009 Constitution.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-12-21|title=Mesa propone promulgar una ley que garantice la separación entre el Estado y la religión|language=es|work=[[Correo del Sur]]|publication-place=Sucre|url=https://correodelsur.com/politica/20181221_mesa-propone-promulgar-una-ley-que-garantice-la-separacion-entre-el-estado-y-la-religion.html|access-date=2021-12-21|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221092923/https://correodelsur.com/politica/20181221_mesa-propone-promulgar-una-ley-que-garantice-la-separacion-entre-el-estado-y-la-religion.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[Foreign relations of Bolivia|international relations]], Mesa has opened up the possibility of good relations with any nation regardless of political ideology so long as they are in the "best benefit for Bolivia" and within the framework of "respect [for] democracy and human rights". He has advocated for the resumption of bilateral relations with the United States and the expansion of economic agreements with China and Russia.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Vásquez|first=Tuffí Aré|date=2019-10-18|title=Entrevista exclusiva a Carlos Mesa: 'Hace mucho que Evo Morales dejó de representar los intereses populares'|language=es|work=[[Infobae]]|location=Santa Cruz de la Sierra|publication-place=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/18/entrevista-exclusiva-a-carlos-mesa-hace-mucho-que-evo-morales-dejo-de-representar-los-intereses-populares/|access-date=2021-12-13|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213102343/https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/10/18/entrevista-exclusiva-a-carlos-mesa-hace-mucho-que-evo-morales-dejo-de-representar-los-intereses-populares/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff writer|date=2019-06-28|title=Mesa promete retomar relaciones con EEUU y cortar vínculos con Maduro|language=es|work=[[Correo del Sur]]|agency=[[El Deber]]|location=Santa Cruz de la Sierra|publication-place=Sucre|url=https://correodelsur.com/politica/20190628_mesa-promete-retomar-relaciones-con-eeuu-y-cortar-vinculos-con-maduro.html|access-date=2021-12-25|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225233336/https://correodelsur.com/politica/20190628_mesa-promete-retomar-relaciones-con-eeuu-y-cortar-vinculos-con-maduro.html|url-status=live}}</ref> When [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022]], Mesa decried the act as "imperialist" and called on the government to release an official condemnation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-02-24 |title=Mesa exige al gobierno condenar a Rusia; Tuto insta a socialistas defender la soberanía ucraniana |language=es |work=ERBOL |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://erbol.com.bo/nacional/mesa-exige-al-gobierno-condenar-rusia-tuto-insta-socialistas-defender-la-soberan%C3%ADa |url-status=live |access-date=2022-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224154434/https://erbol.com.bo/nacional/mesa-exige-al-gobierno-condenar-rusia-tuto-insta-socialistas-defender-la-soberan%C3%ADa |archive-date=2022-02-24}}</ref>

Mesa has advocated for [[judicial reform]] within the country and blamed the MAS for perverting justice to the point that it has "become a danger to human rights". In particular, he pointed to the multitude of political prisoners held by the government and the harsh prosecution of infractions committed by opposition politicians compared to those of the ruling party.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2022-01-31|title=Carlos Mesa acusa a Evo Morales y al MAS de pervertir la justicia|language=es|work=El Potosí|agency=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|url=https://elpotosi.net/nacional/20220131_carlos-mesa-acusa-a-evo-morales-y-al-mas-de-pervertir-la-justicia.html|url-status=live|access-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208052527/https://elpotosi.net/nacional/20220131_carlos-mesa-acusa-a-evo-morales-y-al-mas-de-pervertir-la-justicia.html|archive-date=2022-02-08}}</ref> After the [[Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts for Bolivia]] concluded a lack of [[judicial independence]], Mesa proposed a ninety-day judicial reform plan entailing amendments to the Constitution and the [[organic law]] of the Prosecutor's Office and modifications to the system of electing magistrates and appointing national and departmental prosecutors.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-08-23|title=CC propone reformar la justicia del país en 90 días e iniciar con el cambio del fiscal general|language=es|work=[[Agencia de Noticias Fides]]|publication-place=La Paz|url=https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/cc-propone-reformar-la-justicia-del-pais-en-90-dias-e-iniciar-con-el-cambio-del-fiscal-general-411281|url-status=live|access-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224162131/https://www.noticiasfides.com/nacional/politica/cc-propone-reformar-la-justicia-del-pais-en-90-dias-e-iniciar-con-el-cambio-del-fiscal-general-411281|archive-date=2022-02-24}}</ref> In February 2022, CC proposed a judicial reform bill that would amend nine articles of the Constitution to guarantee judicial independence.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-02-02 |title=CC plantea ajustes a 9 artículos de la CPE para renovar la Fiscalía y el Órgano Judicial |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2022/2/2/cc-plantea-ajustes-articulos-de-la-cpe-para-renovar-la-fiscalia-el-organo-judicial-322391.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2022-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217015951/https://www.paginasiete.bo/nacional/2022/2/2/cc-plantea-ajustes-articulos-de-la-cpe-para-renovar-la-fiscalia-el-organo-judicial-322391.html |archive-date=2022-02-17}}</ref>

On [[Environmental issues in Bolivia|environmental issues]], Mesa pledged to better guarantee the protection of the country's rainforests against external issues such as the [[2019 Amazon rainforest wildfires#Fires in Bolivia|fires that affected it in 2019]]. He also opposes the expansion of agricultural land into protected areas but has promised to seek solutions that harmonize progress and development with environmental protection.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-08-24|title=Mesa cree que es posible compatibilizar desarrollo agrícola con protección del bosque|language=es|work=[[Opinión]]|publication-place=Cochabamba|url=https://www.opinion.com.bo/articulo/pais/mesa-cree-es-posible-compatibilizar-desarrollo-agricola-proteccion-bosque/20200824151729783797.html|access-date=2021-12-24|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224214255/https://www.opinion.com.bo/articulo/pais/mesa-cree-es-posible-compatibilizar-desarrollo-agricola-proteccion-bosque/20200824151729783797.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019 and 2020, the non-profit organization Sachamama, in partnership with leading environmental groups like the [[World Wide Fund for Nature|WWF]], placed Mesa on its list of "The 100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-10-22 |title=Carlos Mesa, entre los 100 latinos más influyentes ante la crisis climática |language=es |work=[[Página Siete]] |publication-place=La Paz |url=https://www.paginasiete.bo/sociedad/2020/10/22/carlos-mesa-entre-los-100-latinos-mas-influyentes-ante-la-crisis-climatica-272444.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2021-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224214255/https://www.paginasiete.bo/sociedad/2020/10/22/carlos-mesa-entre-los-100-latinos-mas-influyentes-ante-la-crisis-climatica-272444.html |archive-date=24 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |year=2020 |title=The 100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action |url=https://sachamama.org/the-100-most-influential-latinos-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415074319/https://sachamama.org/the-100-most-influential-latinos-list/ |archive-date=2021-04-15 |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=sachamama.org}}</ref> Together with Juan Carlos Enríquez, Ramiro Molina Barrios, and Marcos Loayza, he produced ''Planeta Bolivia'', a series of five documentaries covering crucial environmental challenges facing the country in the twenty-first century. In 2017, it was screened at the 13th Inkafest, Peru's mountain film festival in [[Arequipa]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2017-10-17|title=Carlos Mesa exhibe el documental 'Planeta Bolivia'|language=es|work=[[Los Tiempos]]|publication-place=Cochabamba|url=https://www.lostiempos.com/doble-click/cultura/20171017/carlos-mesa-exhibe-documental-planeta-bolivia|access-date=2021-12-30|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230193625/https://www.lostiempos.com/doble-click/cultura/20171017/carlos-mesa-exhibe-documental-planeta-bolivia|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Electoral history ==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"

|-
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | Year
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | Office
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=2 rowspan=2 | Party
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=2 rowspan=2 | Alliance
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=3 | First round
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=3 | Second round
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | Result
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | {{abbr|2=Reference|Ref}}.

|-
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | Votes
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | %
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | {{abbr|2=Position|P}}.
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | Votes
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | %
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | {{abbr|2=Position|P}}.

|-
| style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2002 Bolivian general election|2002]]
| [[Vice President of Bolivia|Vice president]]
| style="background-color:{{party color|Independent politician}};" |
| [[Independent politician|Independent]]
| style="background-color:{{party color|Revolutionary Nationalist Movement}};" |
| [[Revolutionary Nationalist Movement|MNR]]-[[Free Bolivia Movement|MBL]]
| 624,126
| 22.5%
| 1st
| 84
| 54.19%
| 1st{{efn|Second round by parliamentary vote.}}
| {{yes2|Won}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Elecciones Generales 2002 {{!}} Atlas Electoral |url=https://atlaselectoral.oep.org.bo/ |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302152414/https://atlaselectoral.oep.org.bo/#/subproceso/58/1/1 |archive-date=2 March 2022 |access-date=2022-01-25 |website=[[Plurinational Electoral Organ]] |language=es |publication-place=La Paz }}</ref>

|-
| style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2019 Bolivian general election|2019]]
| rowspan=2 | [[President of Bolivia|President]]
| style="background-color:{{party color|Revolutionary Left Front (Bolivia)}};" |
| [[Revolutionary Left Front (Bolivia)|Revolutionary Left Front]]
| style="background-color:{{party color|Civic Community}};" |
| [[Civic Community]]
| 2,240,920
| 36.51%
| 2nd
| colspan=3 {{CNone|''Eliminated''}}
| {{no2|[[2019 Bolivian political crisis|Annulled]]}}
| <ref>{{Cite web|title=Elecciones Generales 2019 {{!}} Cómputo Electoral|url=https://computo.oep.org.bo/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119073224/https://computo.oep.org.bo/|archive-date=2019-11-19|access-date=2022-02-24|website=omputo.oep.org.bo|publisher=[[Plurinational Electoral Organ]]|language=es|publication-place=La Paz}}</ref>

|-
| style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2020 Bolivian general election|2020]]
| style="background-color:{{party color|Revolutionary Left Front (Bolivia)}};" |
| [[Revolutionary Left Front (Bolivia)|Revolutionary Left Front]]
| style="background-color:{{party color|Civic Community}};" |
| [[Civic Community]]
| 1,775,943
| 28.83%
| 2nd
| colspan=3 {{CNone|''Eliminated''}}
| {{no2|Lost}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Elecciones Generales 2020 {{!}} Atlas Electoral |url=https://atlaselectoral.oep.org.bo/ |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302152414/https://atlaselectoral.oep.org.bo/#/sub_proceso/107/1/1 |archive-date=2 March 2022 |access-date=2022-01-25 |website=[[Plurinational Electoral Organ]] |language=es |publication-place=La Paz }}</ref>

|-
| style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=14 | '''Source:''' [[Plurinational Electoral Organ]] {{!}} [https://atlaselectoral.oep.org.bo/#/ Electoral Atlas]

|}

== Distinctions ==
{{Main|List of awards and honors received by Carlos Mesa}}

=== National ===
{{External media|float=right|caption=President [[Alejandro Toledo]] decorates Mesa and his parents with the [[Order of the Sun of Peru]]|headerimage=[[File:Orden del Sol.jpg|x70px|left]]|video1=[https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/videography/video/59 Discursos - Condecoraciones al Sr. José Mesa y Teresa Gisbert]|topic=Recipients of the Order of the Sun}}
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=2 | Award or decoration
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | Country
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | Date
|-
| style="width:80px;"| [[File:BOL Order of Condor of the Andes - Grand Cross BAR.png|80x80px]]
| style="text-align:left;" | Grand Collar of the [[Order of the Condor of the Andes]]
| style="text-align:left;" | {{flag|Bolivia}}
| 2003–2005
|-
| style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=4 | '''Source:''' [https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/curriculum/curriculum/1 ''Curriculum Vitae'', Carlos Mesa]
|}

=== Foreign ===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=2 | Award or decoration
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | Country
! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | Date
|-
| style="width:80px;"| [[File:GER Bundesverdienstkreuz 3 BVK 1Kl.svg|80x80px]]
| style="text-align:left;" | Officer's Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany]]
| style="text-align:left;" | {{flagdeco|West Germany}} [[West Germany|Germany]]
| 1987
|-
| style="width:80px;"| [[File:BRA Ordem de Rio Branco Oficial BAR.svg|80x80px]]
| style="text-align:left;" | Officer of the [[Order of Rio Branco]]
| style="text-align:left;" | {{flag|Brazil}}
| 1990
|-
| style="width:80px;"| [[File:OPMM-gc.svg|80x80px]]
| style="text-align:left;" | Grand Cross of the [[Order pro Merito Melitensi|Order ''pro Merito Melitensi'']]
| style="text-align:left;" | {{flag|Malta}}
| 2002
|-
| style="width:80px;"| [[File:PER Order of the Sun of Peru - Grand Cross BAR.png|80x80px]]
| style="text-align:left;" | Grand Cross with Diamonds of the [[Order of the Sun of Peru]]
| style="text-align:left;" | {{flag|Peru}}
| rowspan="2" | 2004
|-
| style="width:80px;"| [[File:Order of San Carlos - Grand Cross (Colombia) - ribbon bar.png|80x80px]]
| style="text-align:left;" | Grand Collar of the [[Order of San Carlos]]
| style="text-align:left;" | {{flag|Colombia}}
|-
| style="width:80px;"| [[File:MEX Order of the Aztec Eagle 1Class BAR.png|80x80px]]
| style="text-align:left;" | Collar of the [[Order of the Aztec Eagle]]
| style="text-align:left;" | {{flag|Mexico}}
| 2005
|-
| style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=4 | '''Source:''' [https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/curriculum/curriculum/1 ''Curriculum Vitae'', Carlos Mesa]
|}

== Filmography ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
! rowspan="2" width="100" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Title
! colspan="2" | Credited as
|-
! width="65" | Director
! width="65" | Executive Producer
|-
| 1977
! scope="row" | ''I am the Vampire of my Heart''
| {{yes2|Yes}}
| {{no2|No}}
|-
| 1988
! scope="row" | ''Great Power, Heaven and Hell''
| {{yes2|Yes}}
| {{no2|No}}
|-
| 1995<ref>{{Cite web |year=2017 |title=Jonás y la Ballena Rosada |url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/videography/video/89 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225045228/https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/videography/video/89 |archive-date=2021-12-25 |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com |publisher=Biblioteca Virtual Carlos D. Mesa Gisbert |language=es}}</ref>
! scope="row" | ''[[Jonah and the Pink Whale]]''
| {{no2|No}}
| {{yes2|Yes}}
|-
| 2009<ref>{{Cite web |year=2017 |title=Bolivia Siglo XX |url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/videography/sigloxx/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226081259/https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/videography/sigloxx/ |archive-date=2017-02-26 |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com |publisher=Biblioteca Virtual Carlos D. Mesa Gisbert |language=es}}</ref>
! scope="row" | ''Bolivia XX Century''{{efn|Also a writer and the presenter.}}
| {{yes2|Yes}}
| {{no2|No}}
|-
| 2016<ref>{{Cite web |year=2017 |title=Planeta Bolivia |url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/videography/planeta/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607073728/http://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com:80/videography/planeta |archive-date=2017-06-07 |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com |publisher=Biblioteca Virtual Carlos D. Mesa Gisbert |language=es}}</ref>
! scope="row" | ''Planet Bolivia''
| {{no2|No}}
| {{yes2|Yes}}
|-
| style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=4 | '''Source:''' [https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/curriculum/curriculum/1 ''Curriculum Vitae'', Carlos Mesa]
|}

== Publications ==
{{Refbegin}}

=== Books ===
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/bookstore/book/2|title=El Cine Boliviano Según Luis Espinal|publisher=Editorial Don Bosco|year=1982|location=La Paz|language=es}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x2BxAAAAMAAJ|title=Presidentes de Bolivia: Entre Urnas y Fusiles|publisher=Editorial Gisbert|year=1983|edition=1st|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa|first=Carlos D.|url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/bookstore/book/3|title=La Aventura del Cine Boliviano, 1952–1985|publisher=Editorial Gisbert|year=1985|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa|first=Carlos D.|url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/bookstore/book/6|title=De Cerca, Una Década de Conversaciones en Democracia|publisher=Banco Boliviano Americano, Periodistas Asociados Televisión, and ILDIS|year=1993|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/bookstore/book/7|title=La Epopeya del Fútbol Boliviano 1896–1993|publisher=[[Bolivian Football Federation|Federación Boliviana de Fútbol]] and Periodistas Asociados Televisión|year=1994|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/bookstore/book/8|title=Territorios de Libertad|publisher=[[Banco BISA]] and Periodistas Asociados Televisión|year=1995|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/bookstore/book/9|title=La Espada en la Palabra|publisher=Editorial Aguilar|year=2000|isbn=978-99905-2-158-0|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8zcTAQAAIAAJ&q=presidencia%20sitiada%202008|title=Presidencia Sitiada: Memorias de mi Gobierno|publisher=Plural Editores and Fundación Comunidad|year=2008|isbn=978-99954-1-122-0|edition=1st, 2nd, and 3rd|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/bookstore/book/10|title=Un gobierno de Ciudadanos|publisher=Plural Editores and Fundación Comunidad|year=2008|isbn=978-99954-1-123-7|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|title=La Paz Golf Club 100 Años de Historia|publisher=La Paz Golf Club|year=2012|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zJbXoAEACAAJ|title=La Sirena y el Charango, Ensayo sobre el Mestizaje|publisher=Editorial Gisbert and Fundación Comunidad|year=2013|isbn=978-99954-862-2-8|location=La Paz|edition=1st and 2nd|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VgzGoQEACAAJ|title=Breve Historia de las Políticas Públicas en Bolivia|publisher=Editorial Gisbert|year=2014|isbn=978-99954-862-9-7|edition=1st|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MWvMAQAACAAJ|title=Soliloquio del Conquistador|publisher=Editorial Edaf and [[Universidad de las Américas Puebla]]|year=2014|isbn=978-84-414-3416-5|edition=1st|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZES4AQAACAAJ|title=La Historia del Mar Boliviano|publisher=Editorial Gisbert|year=2016|isbn=978-99974-878-7-2|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TPgCzgEACAAJ|title=Bolivia 1982–2006 Democracia|publisher=Editorial Gisbert|year=2017|isbn=978-99974-917-3-2|edition=1st and 2nd|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}

=== Co-authored ===
* {{Cite book|last1=Mesa Gisbert|first1=Carlos D.|url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/bookstore/book/1|title=Cine Boliviano del Realizador al Crítico|last2=Palacios|first2=Beatriz|last3=Sanjinés|first3=Jorge|last4=von Vacano|first4=Arturo|publisher=Editorial Gisbert|year=1979|location=La Paz|language=es|author-link3=Jorge Sanjinés|author-link4=Arturo von Vacano}}
* {{Cite book|last1=Mesa Gisbert|first1=Carlos D.|title=Manual de Historia de Bolivia|last2=de Mesa|first2=José|last3=Gisbert|first3=Teresa|last4=Vásquez|first4=Humberto|publisher=Editorial Gisbert|year=1983|edition=2nd|location=La Paz|oclc=10711672|language=es|author-link2=José de Mesa|author-link3=Teresa Gisbert|author-link4=Humberto Vásquez|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last1=Mesa Gisbert|first1=Carlos D.|title=Un Debate Entre Gitanos|last2=Rueda Peña|first2=Mario|publisher=Banco Boliviano Americano and Periodistas Asociados Televisión|year=1991|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11}}
* {{Cite book|last1=Mesa Gisbert|first1=Carlos D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3GEaAAAAYAAJ|title=Historia de Bolivia|last2=de Mesa|first2=José|last3=Gisbert|first3=Teresa|publisher=Editorial Gisbert|year=1997|edition=1st|location=La Paz|language=es|author-mask=11|author-link2=José de Mesa|author-link3=Teresa Gisbert}}

=== Coordinated ===
* {{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uyQQuAAACAAJ|title=El Salto al Futuro|publisher=[[Bolivian Football Federation|Federación Boliviana de Fútbol]]|year=1995|location=La Paz|language=es}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/bookstore/book/11|title=La Paz 450 Años|publisher=Honorable Alcaldía Municipal de La Paz|year=1998|isbn=978-99905-47-01-6|location=La Paz|language=es}}
* {{Cite book|title=Bolivia el Milenio, Cochabamba y Santa Cruz|publisher=Editorial Canelas and Editorial [[El Deber]]|year=1999|language=es}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QFQPAAAAYAAJ|title=El Vicepresidente ¿La Sombra del Poder?|publisher=[[Vice President of Bolivia|Vicepresidencia de la República, Presidencia del Congreso]]|year=2003|location=La Paz|language=es}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N_E6HQAACAAJ|title=El Libro Azul, la Demanda Marítima Boliviana|publisher=[[President of Bolivia|Presidencia de la República]] and [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bolivia)|Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores]]|year=2004|location=La Paz|language=es}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.asfi.gob.bo/images/banners/El-libro-del-mar.pdf|title=El Libro del Mar|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bolivia)|Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores]]|year=2014|location=La Paz|language=es}}
{{Refend}}

== References ==
=== Notes ===
{{Notelist|30em}}

=== Footnotes ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{Refbegin|30em|indent=yes}}
* {{Cite journal|last1=Arrarás|first1=Astrid|last2=Deheza|first2=Grace|year=2005|title=Referéndum del gas en Bolivia 2004: mucho más que un referéndum|journal=Revista de ciencia política (Santiago)|volume=25|issue=2|pages=161–172|doi=10.4067/S0718-090X2005000200008|issn=0718-090X|doi-access=free}}
* {{Cite book|last1=Assies|first1=Willem|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=18wMAAAAYAAJ|title=Crisis in Bolivia: The Elections of 2002 and Their Aftermath|last2=Salman|first2=Ton|publisher=[[University of London]] [[Institute of Latin American Studies]]|year=2003|isbn=1-900039-60-5|language=en-UK|issn=0957-7947}}
* {{Cite book|last=Figueroa Pla|first=Uldaricio|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NbNdvFCShwAC|title=La demanda marítima boliviana en los foros internacionales|publisher=RIL Editores|year=2007|isbn=978-956-284-556-4|location=Santiago|language=es}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com/bookstore/book/6|title=De Cerca, Una Década de Conversaciones en Democracia|publisher=Banco Boliviano Americano, Periodistas Asociados Televisión, and ILDIS|year=1993|location=La Paz|language=es}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mesa Gisbert|first=Carlos D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8zcTAQAAIAAJ&q=presidencia%20sitiada|title=Presidencia Sitiada: Memorias de mi Gobierno|publisher=Plural Editores and Fundación Comunidad|year=2010|isbn=978-99954-1-122-0|edition=4th|location=La Paz|language=es}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Soto Ríos|first=Nancy Sonia|year=2007|title=Bolivia, crónica de un conflicto constitucional|url=https://pradpi.es/cuadernos/4/Nancy-Sonia-Soto-Rios.pdf|journal=Programa Regional de Apoyo a las Defensorías del Pueblo de Iberoamérica|publisher=[[University of Alcalá]]|pages=138–154}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Webber|first=Jeffery R.|date=2010|title=Carlos Mesa, Evo Morales, and a Divided Bolivia (2003–2005)|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25700516|journal=Latin American Perspectives|volume=37|issue=3|pages=51–70|doi=10.1177/0094582X10364033|jstor=25700516|issn=0094-582X|isbn=978-1-900039-60-4|s2cid=146331335|url-access=subscription}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|wikt=no|commonscat=Carlos Mesa|n=no|q=Carlos Mesa|s=no|author=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|d=Q312668|m=no|mw=no|species=no|species_author=no}}
{{Library resources box}}

===Official===
* {{Official website|https://carlosdmesa.com/}} {{in lang|es}}.
* {{Official website|https://www.bibliotecavirtualcarlosdmesa.com}} of the Carlos D. Mesa Virtual Library {{in lang|es}}.
* [https://historiadelfutbolboliviano.com/ Sports blog] {{in lang|es}}.

===Other===
* [https://www.cidob.org/lider-politico/carlos-mesa-gisbert Biography by CIDOB] (in Spanish)
* [http://elias-blanco.blogspot.com/2012/02/carlos-mesa-gisbert.html Carlos Mesa] by [[Elías Blanco Mamani]] in the Bolivian Cultural Dictionary {{in lang|es}}.
* [https://www.thedialogue.org/experts/carlos-mesa/ Member profile] at [[Inter-American Dialogue|The Dialogue]].
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi3o-Bcsr2U&t=740s Presidencia Sitiada]'' at the Carlos D. Mesa Virtual Library {{in lang|es}}.

{{Presidents of Bolivia}}
{{Vice presidents of Bolivia}}
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