Bolivia's Congress approved a bill Saturday that opens the door to new elections without ex-president Evo Morales, as the caretaker government met with protesters to end weeks of unrest.

Bolivia's Congress approved a bill Saturday that opens the door to new elections without ex-president Evo Morales, as the caretaker government met with protesters to end weeks of unrest. At least 32 people have been killed in violence that erupted after a disputed election on October 20, with protesters' blockades causing severe fuel and food shortages in La Paz and other cities. Both houses voted in favor of the proposal that will be sent to interim President Jeanine Anez, who is expected to sign the bill into law. Among other things, the bill annuls the results of the October 20 vote and allows for new elections to be held. Crucially, it bars candidates who served in both of the two previous terms from seeking re-election for the same position. That would prevent Morales from contesting the presidency in the new ballot. Congress also needs to agree on a new seven-member electoral court, after members of the previous panel were removed for allegedly manipulating results. New elections are seen as key to ending Bolivia's worst political upheaval in 16 years, which has deepened divisions between indigenous people loyal to Morales and Bolivia's mainly city-dwelling middle and upper classes. Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS) party holds a majority in both houses of Congress, but is divided over the left-wing leader and his political future. Morales, who had been seeking a fourth term, claimed he won last month's election, but opposition groups said the vote count was rigged. An audit by the Washington-based Organization of American States found irregularities in the results. 'Pacify the country' The Congress vote comes a day after the caretaker government filed a criminal complaint accusing Morales -- Bolivia's first indigenous president who served for nearly 14 years -- of "sedition and terrorism," after he allegedly called on supporters to maintain blockades. If Morales -- who fled to Mexico after resigning on November 10 -- were charged and convicted, he would face a maximum penalty of 30 years in jail. His former top minister Juan Ramon Quintana, whose whereabouts are unknown, is also accused of the same crimes. Morales, who claims to have been a victim of a coup after losing the support of the security forces, tweeted Friday -- several hours before Interior Minister Arturo Murillo referred the case to federal prosecutors -- that the investigation was based on "planted evidence and manipulated recordings." An attempt by MAS senators on Saturday to prohibit "judicial processes" against Morales was rejected outright by Anez, who told reporters that anyone "who has committed crimes, has mocked the law, has committed abuses, will not have any amnesty." Two children of Morales -- Evaliz Morales Alvarado and Alvaro Morales Peredo -- left Bolivia on Saturday and arrived in Argentina after being given the green light by the interim government. Morales tweeted Saturday that Evaliz had been accused of "illicit enrichment," which he said was a lie. Anez, a right-wing senator who declared herself caretaker leader on November 12 after Morales quit, on Friday called on anti-government protesters to "let us govern" and lift the road blocks. In a potential breakthrough in the crisis, the government announced late Friday that it would meet with various opposition groups at the presidential palace on Saturday. Meanwhile the situation began to normalize, with fuel supplies reaching some gas stations. It comes after police on Thursday tear-gassed indigenous protesters who marched on La Paz with the coffins of five of the eight people killed in clashes at a key fuel plant Tuesday. The United States has suggested that Morales stay out of upcoming elections, which should be "free, fair and transparent."

Bolivia's Congress approves law for new elections without Morales

Thousands of Bolivian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivian-farmers-protest-against-interim-president-at-site-of-killings-263033">coca farmers marched</a> on Monday to demand the resignation of interim President Jeanine Anez, who was forced to suspend a trip to her home province earlier in the day after receiving a death threat.&nbsp;

Unrest has worsened since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-mexico-morales-pledges-to-remain-in-politics-as-bolivia-battles-to-restore-stability-261704">Evo Morales</a> resigned as president a week ago over allegations of vote rigging as attempts at dialogue between his loyalists and the interim government have faltered, with both sides trading accusations of fomenting violence.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Bolivia unrest: Evo Morales departs for Mexico to seek political Asylum

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Anez, 52, a former opposition senator, assumed the presidency after Morales and his vice president resigned at the "suggestion" of the military, followed by three others in the line of succession. Mexico has given Morales asylum.&nbsp;

But Anez has faced a wave of protests led by Morales supporters who say she was installed in a coup and that her presidency threatens the gains made for the non-white majority in Bolivia during Morales' 14 years in office.

Police fired tear gas at the protesters in Bolivia's coca-growing highlands to keep them from entering the city of Cochabamba to demand he return to finish his term, which had been due to end in January.

Some farmers threw rocks at security forces and at least ten protesters were arrested, a Reuters witness said.

The region, long a bastion of Morales' support, was rocked last week by what human rights observers have described as a disproportionate use of force in the town of Sacaba after security forces shot dead up to ten anti-government protesters.

"What happened in Sacaba weren't clashes, it was a military intervention," the state human rights defender, Ombudsman Nadia Cruz, said on Twitter on Monday, calling for dialogue.

Anez' government has said that some protesters in Sacaba were armed, and that police officers had also been wounded.&nbsp;

The office of the ombudsman, which monitors conflicts in the country of 11 million people, said 20 people have been killed since Morales resigned, more than in the previous three weeks during protests against his government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">Anez</a> had been due to travel to Beni province in northeastern Bolivia but cancelled the trip after a credible threat against her life by a "criminal group," interim Interior Minister Arturo Murillo told a news conference.

Murillo accused Venezuelans, Cubans, and Colombians of involvement, without providing evidence.&nbsp;Cuba and Venezuela were close allies of Morales, a socialist.

Anez' government has asked Venezuelan diplomats and Cuban doctors to leave the country, accusing them of stoking unrest, and plans to sever ties with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;

Carlos Mesa, the presidential candidate who came in second in the disputed Oct. 20 election, has urged Anez to schedule new elections with or without the support of Morales' Movement to Socialism party (MAS), who have a majority in Congress.&nbsp;

"An immediate summons (of elections) is necessary to solidify the legitimacy of President Anez," Mesa said in a videotaped messages to his followers on Monday. &nbsp; &nbsp;

An adviser to Anez, presidency minister Jerjes Justiniano, said he also supports calling an election by presidential decree if an agreement cannot be reached with MAS.

"We will have an election," he said. "The greatest honour for a Bolivian is to become president of the country but that person must win with votes, not with bullets or boots."&nbsp;

Bolivia's Roman Catholic Episcopal Conference said that, together with the European Union and United Nations, it would seek to facilitate talks on a roadmap for a vote.

"Holding new, transparent and credible elections is the best way to overcome differences in a democratic and peaceful way," the Church said on Monday. &nbsp;

The prospects for dialogue were looking bleak, however.

Murillo has angered MAS lawmakers by threatening to unveil a list of legislators involved in alleged sedition.

"We don't want to obstruct anything," the head of the Senate, MAS lawmaker Eva Copa, told reporters on Monday. "We don't want more death, we don't want more blood."

Thousands of Bolivian coca farmers marched on Monday to demand the resignation of interim President Jeanine Anez, who was forced to suspend a trip to her home province earlier in the day after receiving a death threat.

Thousands of Bolivian coca farmers marched on Monday to demand the resignation of interim President Jeanine Anez, who was forced to suspend a trip to her home province earlier in the day after receiving a death threat. Unrest has worsened since Evo Morales resigned as president a week ago over allegations of vote rigging as attempts at dialogue between his loyalists and the interim government have faltered, with both sides trading accusations of fomenting violence. Watch: Bolivia unrest: Evo Morales departs for Mexico to seek political Asylum × Anez, 52, a former opposition senator, assumed the presidency after Morales and his vice president resigned at the "suggestion" of the military, followed by three others in the line of succession. Mexico has given Morales asylum. But Anez has faced a wave of protests led by Morales supporters who say she was installed in a coup and that her presidency threatens the gains made for the non-white majority in Bolivia during Morales' 14 years in office. Police fired tear gas at the protesters in Bolivia's coca-growing highlands to keep them from entering the city of Cochabamba to demand he return to finish his term, which had been due to end in January. Some farmers threw rocks at security forces and at least ten protesters were arrested, a Reuters witness said. The region, long a bastion of Morales' support, was rocked last week by what human rights observers have described as a disproportionate use of force in the town of Sacaba after security forces shot dead up to ten anti-government protesters. "What happened in Sacaba weren't clashes, it was a military intervention," the state human rights defender, Ombudsman Nadia Cruz, said on Twitter on Monday, calling for dialogue. Anez' government has said that some protesters in Sacaba were armed, and that police officers had also been wounded. The office of the ombudsman, which monitors conflicts in the country of 11 million people, said 20 people have been killed since Morales resigned, more than in the previous three weeks during protests against his government. Anez had been due to travel to Beni province in northeastern Bolivia but cancelled the trip after a credible threat against her life by a "criminal group," interim Interior Minister Arturo Murillo told a news conference. Murillo accused Venezuelans, Cubans, and Colombians of involvement, without providing evidence. Cuba and Venezuela were close allies of Morales, a socialist. Anez' government has asked Venezuelan diplomats and Cuban doctors to leave the country, accusing them of stoking unrest, and plans to sever ties with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Carlos Mesa, the presidential candidate who came in second in the disputed Oct. 20 election, has urged Anez to schedule new elections with or without the support of Morales' Movement to Socialism party (MAS), who have a majority in Congress. "An immediate summons (of elections) is necessary to solidify the legitimacy of President Anez," Mesa said in a videotaped messages to his followers on Monday. An adviser to Anez, presidency minister Jerjes Justiniano, said he also supports calling an election by presidential decree if an agreement cannot be reached with MAS. "We will have an election," he said. "The greatest honour for a Bolivian is to become president of the country but that person must win with votes, not with bullets or boots." Bolivia's Roman Catholic Episcopal Conference said that, together with the European Union and United Nations, it would seek to facilitate talks on a roadmap for a vote. "Holding new, transparent and credible elections is the best way to overcome differences in a democratic and peaceful way," the Church said on Monday. The prospects for dialogue were looking bleak, however. Murillo has angered MAS lawmakers by threatening to unveil a list of legislators involved in alleged sedition. "We don't want to obstruct anything," the head of the Senate, MAS lawmaker Eva Copa, told reporters on Monday. "We don't want more death, we don't want more blood."

Coca farmers march, police fire tear gas in worsening Bolivia unrest

Bolivia's interim <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivians-queue-for-chicken-and-fuel-as-protests-cripple-highways-262779">president Jeanine Anez </a>said on Sunday that "transparent elections" will be held soon as violent demonstration post-Morales seem to slow.

"Very soon we will announce news regarding our main mandate: calling transparent elections," Jeanine Anez said while adding that it would help to "recovery of our country's democratic credibility."&nbsp;

Anez, 52, was selected to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-interim-president-rules-out-morales-election-bid-262276">take over as interim president</a>, a move backed by the country's Constitutional Court. The US administration last week recognised Anez as the country's leader even as Morales began his life in exile. Russia too recognised Anez as the new leader and backed her bid to hold elections in the country.

Anez had promised to hold elections in the "shortest possible time" while naming a cabinet. After violent protests for nearly a month, Interior Minister Arturo Murillo said the number of trouble spots is "down by half. At least 23 people have died in clashes since the controversial October 20 elections which proclaimed victory. Brazil, Colombia, Britain and Germany have also recognised Anez.&nbsp;

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On Friday, members of &nbsp;Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS) party had met with government officials in a bid to hold elections in the country as soon as possible.

MAS party leader Mónica Eva Copa Murga had said that the aim was "to pacify our country and above all to defend democracy".

Let's get rid of colours, of radical positions, what our country is looking for right now is peace," she asserted.

Despite government assurances, the United Nations warned on Saturday that violence in Bolivia could "spin out of control" as the country grapples with food and fuel shortages. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet warned largescale violence could hamper democracy in the country.

"I am concerned that the situation in Bolivia could spin out of control if the authorities do not handle it ... with full respect for human rights," Bachelet said.

Clashes and demonstrations have continued in capital La Paz even as Anez has assured the country of elections. Pro-Morales protesters blocked highways including the Sanketa refinery near El Alto which supplies natural gas to the country. 
&nbsp;

Bolivia's interim president Jeanine Anez said on Sunday that "transparent elections" will be held soon as violent demonstration post-Morales seem to slow. "Very soon we will announce news regarding our main mandate: calling transparent elections," Jeanine Anez said while adding that it would help to "recovery of our country's democratic credibility.

Bolivia's interim president Jeanine Anez said on Sunday that "transparent elections" will be held soon as violent demonstration post-Morales seem to slow. "Very soon we will announce news regarding our main mandate: calling transparent elections," Jeanine Anez said while adding that it would help to "recovery of our country's democratic credibility." Anez, 52, was selected to take over as interim president, a move backed by the country's Constitutional Court. The US administration last week recognised Anez as the country's leader even as Morales began his life in exile. Russia too recognised Anez as the new leader and backed her bid to hold elections in the country. Anez had promised to hold elections in the "shortest possible time" while naming a cabinet. After violent protests for nearly a month, Interior Minister Arturo Murillo said the number of trouble spots is "down by half. At least 23 people have died in clashes since the controversial October 20 elections which proclaimed victory. Brazil, Colombia, Britain and Germany have also recognised Anez. Watch Video: On Friday, members of Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS) party had met with government officials in a bid to hold elections in the country as soon as possible. MAS party leader Mónica Eva Copa Murga had said that the aim was "to pacify our country and above all to defend democracy". Let's get rid of colours, of radical positions, what our country is looking for right now is peace," she asserted. Despite government assurances, the United Nations warned on Saturday that violence in Bolivia could "spin out of control" as the country grapples with food and fuel shortages. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet warned largescale violence could hamper democracy in the country. "I am concerned that the situation in Bolivia could spin out of control if the authorities do not handle it ... with full respect for human rights," Bachelet said. Clashes and demonstrations have continued in capital La Paz even as Anez has assured the country of elections. Pro-Morales protesters blocked highways including the Sanketa refinery near El Alto which supplies natural gas to the country.

Will announce transparent elections soon: Bolivia's interim president Jeanine Anez

Bolivian opposition candidates are closing in on President Evo Morales in polls ahead of a general election later this month, with Latin America's longest continuous standing leader possibly being edged out in a second round run-off.

Bolivian poll shows opposition closing in on Morales