Bolivia crisis: 5 things to know
November 11, 2019
How did the crisis start?
The anti-government protests have their roots in civil unrest triggered by a failed referendum to expand presidential term limits, a move seen by critics as a ploy by Morales to hold on to power. Despite his failure to secure a legally viable route to run for the presidency again, he decided to do so anyway.
That election went ahead on October 20. However, electoral authorities stopped issuing incremental updates to the vote count midway through the process, triggering concerns of electoral fraud. The authority then declared Morales the outright winner, saying he won a 10-percentage-point lead, effectively preventing a run-off vote.
Protests erupted the day after the vote, drawing hundreds to the streets in La Paz at first and then tens of thousands in the following weeks. At least three people have been killed and hundreds more injured in clashes with police.
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Who are the main players?
Evo Morales is at the center of the crisis. He became Bolivia's first indigenous president in 2006 and ruled the country until November 10. His presidency was characterized by leftist policies that diverted revenues from natural resources to indigenous communities.
Carlos Mesa, who served as Bolivia's president from 2002 to 2005, leads the opposition. The center-right politician has accused electoral authorities and Morales of stealing the vote. He called on Morales to resign and stand down from running for the presidency.
Why did Evo Morales resign?
Moments after the Organization of American States (OAS) released a report alleging gross "manipulations" of election computer systems, Morales announced fresh elections and vowed to reform the electoral commission.
Hours later, heads of the military and police demanded Morales step down in a bid to end deadly civil unrest. Morales then announced his resignation from his native coca growing region, with some describing the military's intervention as a coup d'etat.
Subsequently, Morales headed to Mexico, where he was granted asylum.
What are the international reactions?
Western nations have welcomed the news of fresh elections, saying it is necessary to guarantee a free and fair electoral process.
The EU's top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, said she supported "a new election with a renewed and independently appointed electoral authority." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the new vote has the "full support" of the White House. "The Bolivian people deserve free and fair elections," he said.
Russia, instead, viewed the unrest as attempts to unseat Morales, describing it as as an opposition campaign of violence against the country.
What happens next?
Bolivia will now move forward with new presidential elections. However, it is unclear whether Morales will stand as a candidate. Mexico has offered to provide asylum to Morales if he decides to flee the country.
ls/rt (dpa, EFE, AP)