Bolivia’s New Regime Approves Polls, Bars Morales

Date: 24 November 2019 - 21:37

News ID: ۷۳۰۷۹

LA PAZ, Bolivia (Dispatches) — Bolivian lawmakers on Saturday unanimously approved a measure calling for new presidential elections that would exclude former leader Evo Morales who was ousted in a move akin to a military coup.
The bill was first approved by the Senate and then later in the day by the lower house, both of which are dominated by Morales’ Movement Toward Socialism party. Interim President Jeanine Áñez tweeted that she would promulgate the bill into law Sunday morning.
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal will set the date for the new elections. Bolivia’s lawmakers must still select new members to the tribunal.
The measure forbids reelection of anyone who has served the last two terms consecutively as president, effectively ruling out Morales.
Despite winning a fourth term in the election, Morales was forced to resign on Nov. 10 under the army’s pressure.
After Morales left for asylum in Mexico, many Bolivians took to the streets in protest and demanded his return.
Officials say at least 32 people have died in demonstrations since the presidential election, which would be annulled by Saturday’s vote.
An agreement late Friday on elections between Morales’ party and the interim government helped pacify the country. Street blockades were lifted, allowing supplies to reach marketplaces Saturday in areas that had been short of groceries and gas.
Sen. Oscar Ortiz said the bill calls for updating the electoral rolls, naming a completely new electoral tribunal to oversee the vote.
"We have to generate confidence in the population,” said Sen. Omar Aguilar, from Morales’ party.
On Friday, the interim government accused Morales of terrorism and sedition for purportedly organizing highway blockades intended to prevent food from reaching some cities.
Acting Interior Minister Arturo Murillo said the complaint relates to a video in which Morales is supposedly heard in a phone call coordinating the blockades from Mexico. Murillo said Bolivia’s government is seeking a maximum penalty, which is between 15 and 20 years in prison.
Morales has said the video is a "montage” by his opponents.