A bread roll has become a symbol of a severe economic crisis in Boliva that looks set to decide the outcome of the most significant elections in nearly two decades.

The marraqueta, which is subsidized by the state, is the baguette of Bolivia.

But even the humble "battle bread," as it is nicknamed, is hard to come by these days in La Paz as the government runs out of the dollars it needs to import essentials such as fuel and wheat.

Ligia Maldonado, 70, tried over a dozen street stalls for what she calls the "bread of the poor" but went home empty-handed.

"This government offers no hope," she said disconsolately.

On Sunday, Bolivians go the polls in the first round of presidential and parliamentary elections which could see a country that steadfastly voted left for a generation swing to

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