Bolivia crisis: New elections proposed as violence rages

  • 2019-11-21 16:05:06
Bolivia's interim president has asked Congress to approve new elections as violence rages following the resignation of Evo Morales. However, Jeanine Áñez did not set a date for the poll. Mr Morales resigned on 10 November and later sought asylum in Mexico after facing claims of electoral fraud. The death toll since October's disputed general election has risen to 32 as clashes continue between supporters of Mr Morales and security forces. Mr Morales accused security forces of committing "genocide" against his indigenous supporters, and requested assistance from the international community. His supporters have been blocking main roads linking the capital La Paz and other major cities, causing widespread disruption across the country. Ms Áñez said she hoped the proposal - which also seeks the annulment of the original ballot and the formation of a new election tribunal - would help generate "a national consensus". Justice Minister Alvaro Coimbra said the hope was for Congress to approve the law "as soon as possible". Mr Morales's Movement for Socialism party has tabled a similar proposal.

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