Candidate vows to scrap lithium deals

BOLIVIAN right-wing presidential hopeful Jorge Quiroga this week vowed to scrap billion-dollar lithium extraction deals struck by the outgoing government with Russia and China if elected leader.

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“We don't recognise (outgoing president Luis) Arce’s contracts... Let’s stop them, they won't be approved,’ the US-educated Quiroga, who has vowed a major shakeup in Bolivia's alliances if elected president in October, said in an interview.

Quiroga came second in the first round of Bolivia's August 17 presidential election with 26.7%, behind centre-right senator Rodrigo Paz on 32%.

The Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), in power since 2006, suffered a historic rout, with voters punishing the party founded by iconic ex-president Evo Morales over a deep economic crisis.

Quiroga and Paz now face a second-round duel for the presidency on October 19.