The interim president of Bolivia, Jeanine Anez, announced on Thursday her withdrawal from the presidential race a month before the elections, fearing she would split the vote against leftist Luis Arce, protege of former leader Evo Morales.&nbsp;

"Today I set aside my candidacy for the presidency of Bolivia," said the right wing leader in a televised message.&nbsp;

She explained that she made the decision "in view of the risk that the democratic vote be divided among various candidates and that as a result of that division the MAS (Movement Towards Socialism, led by Morales) end up winning the election" of October 18.&nbsp;

Flanked by her candidate for the vice presidency, businessman Samuel Doria Medina, and other political allies, Anez called for unity against the MAS, whose standard-bearer is in first place in polls.&nbsp;

"If we do not unite, Morales returns; if we do not unite, democracy loses; if we do not unite, the dictatorship wins," said the 53-year-old leader.&nbsp;

Anez abandoned the electoral race one day after a national poll put her in fourth place in the race, and Arce in the lead.&nbsp;

Anez took office in November 2019, after Morales resigned amid social upheaval.&nbsp;

She promised to lead a transitional government with the aim of calling new elections in 2020, but in January she announced her candidacy, a decision that was highly criticized by adversaries and some allies.

The interim president of Bolivia, Jeanine Anez, announced on Thursday her withdrawal from the presidential race a month before the elections, fearing she would split the vote against leftist Luis Arce, protege of former leader Evo Morales.

The interim president of Bolivia, Jeanine Anez, announced on Thursday her withdrawal from the presidential race a month before the elections, fearing she would split the vote against leftist Luis Arce, protege of former leader Evo Morales. "Today I set aside my candidacy for the presidency of Bolivia," said the right wing leader in a televised message. She explained that she made the decision "in view of the risk that the democratic vote be divided among various candidates and that as a result of that division the MAS (Movement Towards Socialism, led by Morales) end up winning the election" of October 18. Flanked by her candidate for the vice presidency, businessman Samuel Doria Medina, and other political allies, Anez called for unity against the MAS, whose standard-bearer is in first place in polls. "If we do not unite, Morales returns; if we do not unite, democracy loses; if we do not unite, the dictatorship wins," said the 53-year-old leader. Anez abandoned the electoral race one day after a national poll put her in fourth place in the race, and Arce in the lead. Anez took office in November 2019, after Morales resigned amid social upheaval. She promised to lead a transitional government with the aim of calling new elections in 2020, but in January she announced her candidacy, a decision that was highly criticized by adversaries and some allies.

Bolivia interim president withdraws from presidential race

Desperate families in Bolivia are turning to makeshift graves to bury their loved ones, with cemetery space at a premium as the coronavirus pandemic keeps the South American nation in its grip.

Bolivian families turn to makeshift graves as cemeteries fill during pandemic

The rich get smart while the poor fall behind. That is the concern in Bolivia as the pandemic takes classes online and exposes the country's digital divide, sharpening stark socio-economic divisions in one of Latin America's poorest countries.

Online education deepens digital divide in impoverished Bolivia

Bolivian Ana Lucia Arze - who lost her father in less than three days to COVID-19 - has found comfort and healing in music. Clarinet player, Camila Barrientos, who started the project, said she named it "Music to Breathe", as it aims to offer some respite amid so much suffering.

'Music to breathe': Bolivian music project offers comfort during pandemic

Anti-government protests in Bolivia have entered their second week amid escalating political tensions, violent confrontations. The protesters are demanding early elections on September 6.

Bolivia protests: Protesters want elections on 6th Sep instead of Oct 18

With no vaccine available and an ever-encroaching death toll amid the pandemic, indigenous Bolivians are turning to rituals and customs to ward off coronavirus in the South American country.

Sweet coronavirus treats go up in flames as Bolivians make offerings to ward off COVID-19

The government announced earlier that the quarantine measures in the country would continue until Aug. 31 due to the increase in community contagion and positive cases of the virus

Bolivia facing sustained increase in COVID-19 deaths

Bolivia's general election will be pushed back until October&nbsp;18 as the coronavirus pandemic grips the South American nation, which could fan tensions between the interim conservative government and the socialist party of former President Evo Morales.

The head of the electoral tribunal said on Thursday that the vote would be postponed from the previously scheduled September&nbsp;6 date to ensure the safety of voters, with hospitals and cemeteries straining under the impact of the virus.

"This election requires the highest possible health security measures to protect the health of Bolivians," tribunal President Salvador Romero told a news conference in La Paz.

The vote is key to the political future of the Andean nation of 11.5 million people after a fraught election last year sparked widespread protests and led to the resignation of the country's long-term leftist leader Morales.

In a political vacuum and amid deadly conflicts on the street, right-wing lawmaker Jeanine Anez was ushered into power, pledging to hold quick new elections, originally planned for May before being delayed by the pandemic to September.

Anez is running in the election, while Morales is pulling the political strings from exile in Argentina with his Movement for Socialism party, whose candidate Luis Arce leads in some polls.

Anez said she would accept the new date.

"Whatever the date, the government calls for promoting economic revival, the fight against the virus and the consolidation of democracy," she wrote on Twitter.

Morales wrote on Twitter the delay "will only harm the people" and blamed the interim government for its response to the pandemic. He added the move was unconstitutional and a tactic for his opponents to "gain more time."

A federation of coca farming groups around the former Morales stronghold of Chapare in central Bolivia rejected the commission's "unilateral" decision.

They added that if the delay was not retracted within 72 hours it would launch "mobilisations" which have in the past been characterised by street protests and road blockades on crucial trade routes.

The new election schedule would see a second-round held on Nov. 29 if there was no clear winner in the first-round vote.

Bolivia's general election will be pushed back until October 18 as the coronavirus pandemic grips the South American nation, which could fan tensions between the interim conservative government and the socialist party of former President Evo Morales.

Bolivia's general election will be pushed back until October 18 as the coronavirus pandemic grips the South American nation, which could fan tensions between the interim conservative government and the socialist party of former President Evo Morales. The head of the electoral tribunal said on Thursday that the vote would be postponed from the previously scheduled September 6 date to ensure the safety of voters, with hospitals and cemeteries straining under the impact of the virus. "This election requires the highest possible health security measures to protect the health of Bolivians," tribunal President Salvador Romero told a news conference in La Paz. The vote is key to the political future of the Andean nation of 11.5 million people after a fraught election last year sparked widespread protests and led to the resignation of the country's long-term leftist leader Morales. In a political vacuum and amid deadly conflicts on the street, right-wing lawmaker Jeanine Anez was ushered into power, pledging to hold quick new elections, originally planned for May before being delayed by the pandemic to September. Anez is running in the election, while Morales is pulling the political strings from exile in Argentina with his Movement for Socialism party, whose candidate Luis Arce leads in some polls. Anez said she would accept the new date. "Whatever the date, the government calls for promoting economic revival, the fight against the virus and the consolidation of democracy," she wrote on Twitter. Morales wrote on Twitter the delay "will only harm the people" and blamed the interim government for its response to the pandemic. He added the move was unconstitutional and a tactic for his opponents to "gain more time." A federation of coca farming groups around the former Morales stronghold of Chapare in central Bolivia rejected the commission's "unilateral" decision. They added that if the delay was not retracted within 72 hours it would launch "mobilisations" which have in the past been characterised by street protests and road blockades on crucial trade routes. The new election schedule would see a second-round held on Nov. 29 if there was no clear winner in the first-round vote.

Bolivia election delayed to October as pandemic bites, opposition cries foul

Bolivian police have recovered more than 400 bodies from streets and homes over a five-day period, with 85 per cent of the dead believed to have had coronavirus.

A total of 191 bodies were recovered in the Cochabamba metropolitan area alone from July 15-20, with another 141 collected in La Paz. In the country's biggest city, Santa Cruz, authorities recovered 68 bodies.

The Santa Cruz metropolitan area is the worst affected by coronavirus in Bolivia and accounts for almost half of the country's more than 60,000 cases.

Some 85 per cent of the bodies were positive cases for COVID-19 and cases with COVID symptoms, so they will be recorded as suspected cases.

According to the national epidemiological office, the western regions of Cochabamba and La Paz are experiencing a "very rapid increase" in coronavirus cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-bolivian-city-a-fake-and-toxic-coronavirus-cure-proves-popular-314194">Also read |&nbsp;In Bolivian city, a fake and toxic coronavirus cure proves popular</a>

Bolivia has recorded more than 2,200 confirmed coronavirus deaths among its 11 million population.

Between April 1 and July 19 more than 3,000 bodies that were recovered outside of hospital settings had been identified as either confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases.

Bolivian police have recovered more than 400 bodies from streets and homes over a five-day period, with 85 per cent of the dead believed to have had coronavirus.

Bolivian police have recovered more than 400 bodies from streets and homes over a five-day period, with 85 per cent of the dead believed to have had coronavirus. A total of 191 bodies were recovered in the Cochabamba metropolitan area alone from July 15-20, with another 141 collected in La Paz. In the country's biggest city, Santa Cruz, authorities recovered 68 bodies. The Santa Cruz metropolitan area is the worst affected by coronavirus in Bolivia and accounts for almost half of the country's more than 60,000 cases. Some 85 per cent of the bodies were positive cases for COVID-19 and cases with COVID symptoms, so they will be recorded as suspected cases. According to the national epidemiological office, the western regions of Cochabamba and La Paz are experiencing a "very rapid increase" in coronavirus cases. Also read | In Bolivian city, a fake and toxic coronavirus cure proves popular Bolivia has recorded more than 2,200 confirmed coronavirus deaths among its 11 million population. Between April 1 and July 19 more than 3,000 bodies that were recovered outside of hospital settings had been identified as either confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases.

Hundreds of coronavirus-infected bodies recovered from Bolivian streets, homes

desperate people wait to buy small bottles of chlorine dioxide, a toxic bleaching agent that has been falsely touted as a cure for Covid-19

Bolivian Senate approves toxic bleach as COVID-19 treatment

Interim President of Bolivia, Jeanine Anez Chavez, on Thursday (local time) said she has tested positive for COVID-19.

"The COVID-19 test turned out to be positive. I feel normal and will work in isolation," she tweeted, according to a Sputnik report.

Bolivia`s minister of health, head of the Central Bank and head of the presidential administration have already been diagnosed with the coronavirus, the report said.

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Worldwide, more than 12.1 million people have been infected with the coronavirus, with fatalities related to the virus over 552,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Bolivia has registered about 43,000 COVID-19 cases so far, with more than 1,500 fatalities.Earlier, this week, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro had tested positive for COVID-19.

Interim President of Bolivia, Jeanine Anez Chavez, on Thursday (local time) said she has tested positive for COVID-19. "The COVID-19 test turned out to be positive.

Interim President of Bolivia, Jeanine Anez Chavez, on Thursday (local time) said she has tested positive for COVID-19. "The COVID-19 test turned out to be positive. I feel normal and will work in isolation," she tweeted, according to a Sputnik report. Bolivia`s minister of health, head of the Central Bank and head of the presidential administration have already been diagnosed with the coronavirus, the report said. × Worldwide, more than 12.1 million people have been infected with the coronavirus, with fatalities related to the virus over 552,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Bolivia has registered about 43,000 COVID-19 cases so far, with more than 1,500 fatalities.Earlier, this week, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro had tested positive for COVID-19.

Bolivia's president says she has tested positive for the coronavirus

Bolivia's President Jeanine Anez said on Thursday (July 9) she has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Anez said in a tweet she was "well" and continuing to work while in isolation.

Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez tests positive for coronavirus

The Health system of Bolivia is reeling under the coronavirus crisis. The country is not just struggling to treat its citizens but also to keep the frontline workers safe. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Health system on verge of collapse in Bolivia

The landlocked Andean nation of over 11.5 million people has registered some 40,000 confirmed cases of the disease and 1500 deaths

Bolivia COVID-19: Over 40,000 cases of infections and 1500 fatalities

Circuses in Bolivia have seen empty tents for the past months, as the lockdown forced shows to close to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus. When the government announced in March that shows were banned, the Jumbo Circus' crew had just finished setting up the tent in Tupaj Katari, a suburb in El Alto city.

Bolivia circus artists struggle to make ends meet

They say necessity is the mother of invention and two disabled Bolivians used their wits to find a new way to make a living even as income dried up for countless Bolivians during the coronavirus pandemic.

Innovation in high gear: disabled Bolivians chase new careers as delivery drivers

Bolivian Monica Callisaya designs special biosecurity suits for the "cholita" women in Bolivia - who usually wear long traditional skirts and bowler hats - so they are able to keep their identity, be protected and feel comfortable at the same time.

Bolivia's Cholitas don bio-security gear as they go out to sell

Health or wealth? Amid the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures, that is the dilemma millions are facing in Bolivia, one of Latin America's poorest countries.

Forced to choose between health or wealth, Bolivia's market vendors defy coronavirus crisis

Hospitals in Trinidad, Bolivia are struggling with limited resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch this video to know more.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Doctors struggle in makeshift hospital in Bolivia

From the isolation, Tejerina and his wife, Geraldine, were inspired to find a way to help essential workers. They began cooking and delivering meals for police, doctors and nurses. Ever the marketer, Tejerina dubbed his project, "Taking Care of Those Who Care For Us."

Bolivian couple springs into action to feed coronavirus frontliners during lockdown

Exiled former Bolivian president Evo Morales said in an interview published Sunday that he wants to return home and run for senator in May elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-exiled-ex-president-morales-calls-on-radio-for-armed-militias-273850">Also Read:&nbsp;Bolivia exiled ex-president Morales calls on radio for armed militias</a>

Morales fled the country in December after the army withdrew its support for him during violent protests over his disputed re-election to a fourth straight term.&nbsp;

He now lives in Argentina, and said he would like to go home, even though a warrant exists for his arrest.

Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, was in power for almost 14 years. But he is now barred from standing as a presidential candidate in the May ballot.

In an interview with the Chilean newspaper La Tercera, Morales said that the night he left Bolivia, heading first to Mexico, he carried with him a suitcase with some clothes, a bit of food and two or three thousand dollars.

He said his replacement by acting president Jeanine Anez amounted to a putsch.

"What we lost with the coup we will recover on May 3 in democracy," Morales was quoted as saying.

He said he will run for a seat in the Senate and declared himself a "victim of the United States" empire.

Morales added he would like to go back to Bolivia despite the probes launched against him following the release of an audio tape in which he allegedly calls on supporters to cut off food supplies to cities.

"We are assessing this. Who would not like to return?" Morales said. "I am sure the people of Bolivia are crying for me to return."

Also Sunday, a judge in Bolivia ordered six months of preventive detention to Morales's legal representative handling his nomination process to stand as a legislator in the May ballot.

A judicial source told journalists that Judge Armando Zeballos had ordered the detention of Patricia Hermosa, Morales's former cabinet chief.

She was arrested Friday on charges of sedition, terrorism and financing of terrorism.

The presidential candidate for Morales's Movement for Socialism, former economy minister Luis Arce, returned to Bolivia last Tuesday and was immediately served with a subpoena.

He is accused of a breach of duties and embezzlement during his ministerial tenure.

Exiled former Bolivian president Evo Morales said in an interview published Sunday that he wants to return home and run for senator in May elections. Also Read: Bolivia exiled ex-president Morales calls on radio for armed militias Morales fled the country in December after the army withdrew its support for him during violent protests over his disputed re-election to a fourth straight term.

Exiled former Bolivian president Evo Morales said in an interview published Sunday that he wants to return home and run for senator in May elections. Also Read: Bolivia exiled ex-president Morales calls on radio for armed militias Morales fled the country in December after the army withdrew its support for him during violent protests over his disputed re-election to a fourth straight term. He now lives in Argentina, and said he would like to go home, even though a warrant exists for his arrest. Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, was in power for almost 14 years. But he is now barred from standing as a presidential candidate in the May ballot. In an interview with the Chilean newspaper La Tercera, Morales said that the night he left Bolivia, heading first to Mexico, he carried with him a suitcase with some clothes, a bit of food and two or three thousand dollars. He said his replacement by acting president Jeanine Anez amounted to a putsch. "What we lost with the coup we will recover on May 3 in democracy," Morales was quoted as saying. He said he will run for a seat in the Senate and declared himself a "victim of the United States" empire. Morales added he would like to go back to Bolivia despite the probes launched against him following the release of an audio tape in which he allegedly calls on supporters to cut off food supplies to cities. "We are assessing this. Who would not like to return?" Morales said. "I am sure the people of Bolivia are crying for me to return." Also Sunday, a judge in Bolivia ordered six months of preventive detention to Morales's legal representative handling his nomination process to stand as a legislator in the May ballot. A judicial source told journalists that Judge Armando Zeballos had ordered the detention of Patricia Hermosa, Morales's former cabinet chief. She was arrested Friday on charges of sedition, terrorism and financing of terrorism. The presidential candidate for Morales's Movement for Socialism, former economy minister Luis Arce, returned to Bolivia last Tuesday and was immediately served with a subpoena. He is accused of a breach of duties and embezzlement during his ministerial tenure.

I am sure the people of Bolivia are crying for me: Morales

Bolivia's interim President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">Jeanine Anez</a> has asked all her ministers to resign a little more than three months before a general election.

The news Sunday came just hours after communication minister Roxana Lizarraga resigned in protest at Anez's decision to stand as a presidential candidate in the May 3 election.

Anez assumed the presidency on November 12, two days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-rocks-bolivia-after-poll-shows-weakening-support-for-morales-249562">Evo Morales</a> resigned following three weeks of sometimes violent protests against his controversial re-election in a poll the Organization of American States said was rigged.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">US recognises Jeanine Anez as Bolivia's interim president</a>

Anez, a little-known senator at the time, had said she had no intention of standing for the full-time job.

But that changed on Friday when she announced her candidacy.

Anez "has decided to ask for the resignation of all ministers to approach this new stage in the management of the democratic transition," the presidency said in a statement.

The statement added that it was "usual" in an electoral cycle to have "adjustments in the working team of the Executive."

Anez said she would name a new cabinet of 20 ministers "as soon as possible."

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Hours earlier, Lizarraga, who was appointed by Anez on November 13, criticized the interim president for having "lost sight of her objectives."

Lizarraga said Anez had "started to fall into the same evils" as the party of her predecessor Morales.

"This is not the path the citizenry has signaled to us," said Lizarraga.

Making a big mistake

Anez was criticized for going back on her initial commitment not to run for president.

"I respect President Anez, but I think she's making a big mistake" because "she has not been appointed to propose herself as a candidate for the presidency," former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-close-to-striking-deal-on-election-audit-as-protests-intensify-258432">Carlos Mesa</a>, 66, said.

Former presidential candidate Samuel Doria Medina voiced his opposition and ex-president Morales, in exile in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentina-issues-decree-making-it-harder-for-businesses-to-fire-workers-268302">Argentina</a>, reminded his successor that "she promised not to be a candidate," although he said "it is her right."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentina-issues-decree-making-it-harder-for-businesses-to-fire-workers-268302">Argentina issues decree making it harder for businesses to fire workers</a>

There is also still doubt about the legality of Anez contesting the election.

Lawmaker Luis Felipe Dorado said he would consult the Constitutional Court.

Anez came only fourth on 12 percent in an opinion poll published on Sunday that was led by Morales's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-exiled-ex-president-morales-calls-on-radio-for-armed-militias-273850">Movement for Socialism</a> (MAS) candidate with 26 percent.

MAS headed the survey by Mercados y Muestras and published in the Pagina Siete newspaper, which was conducted before the party had announced the name of its candidate, former economy minister Luis Arce.

"In all the polls we are first," Morales tweeted in reaction, adding: "We are ready to beat the coup and regain the homeland."

Parties have until February 3 to register their candidates.

Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez has asked all her ministers to resign a little more than three months before a general election. The news Sunday came just hours after communication minister Roxana Lizarraga resigned in protest at Anez's decision to stand as a presidential candidate in the May 3 election.

Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez has asked all her ministers to resign a little more than three months before a general election. The news Sunday came just hours after communication minister Roxana Lizarraga resigned in protest at Anez's decision to stand as a presidential candidate in the May 3 election. Anez assumed the presidency on November 12, two days after Evo Morales resigned following three weeks of sometimes violent protests against his controversial re-election in a poll the Organization of American States said was rigged. Also read: US recognises Jeanine Anez as Bolivia's interim president Anez, a little-known senator at the time, had said she had no intention of standing for the full-time job. But that changed on Friday when she announced her candidacy. Anez "has decided to ask for the resignation of all ministers to approach this new stage in the management of the democratic transition," the presidency said in a statement. The statement added that it was "usual" in an electoral cycle to have "adjustments in the working team of the Executive." Anez said she would name a new cabinet of 20 ministers "as soon as possible." Hours earlier, Lizarraga, who was appointed by Anez on November 13, criticized the interim president for having "lost sight of her objectives." Lizarraga said Anez had "started to fall into the same evils" as the party of her predecessor Morales. "This is not the path the citizenry has signaled to us," said Lizarraga. Making a big mistake Anez was criticized for going back on her initial commitment not to run for president. "I respect President Anez, but I think she's making a big mistake" because "she has not been appointed to propose herself as a candidate for the presidency," former president Carlos Mesa, 66, said. Former presidential candidate Samuel Doria Medina voiced his opposition and ex-president Morales, in exile in Argentina, reminded his successor that "she promised not to be a candidate," although he said "it is her right." Also read: Argentina issues decree making it harder for businesses to fire workers There is also still doubt about the legality of Anez contesting the election. Lawmaker Luis Felipe Dorado said he would consult the Constitutional Court. Anez came only fourth on 12 percent in an opinion poll published on Sunday that was led by Morales's Movement for Socialism (MAS) candidate with 26 percent. MAS headed the survey by Mercados y Muestras and published in the Pagina Siete newspaper, which was conducted before the party had announced the name of its candidate, former economy minister Luis Arce. "In all the polls we are first," Morales tweeted in reaction, adding: "We are ready to beat the coup and regain the homeland." Parties have until February 3 to register their candidates.

Bolivia president Jeanine Anez asks all ministers to resign

Zebras are on the loose in La Paz's chaotic streets. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city's snarling traffic, they wave their hooves to help people cross roads and seek to raise awareness amongst drivers to stop at traffic lights and give way to pedestrians.

Bolivia takes zebra crossing literally for road safety

Bolivia's exiled former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-victim-of-coup-mexican-president-amlo-265630">Evo Morales</a> on Sunday defended a call he made for the formation of armed groups, a recording of which was leaked on public radio.

Speaking exclusively to Reuters on Sunday night in Argentina where he is in exile, the defiant former president confirmed he was the voice in a recording played on Bolivian radio calling for the creation of armed militias "as in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuela-france-wests-duplicity-196078">Venezuela</a>".

He said people have a right to defend themselves if the new government was attacking them. He said he had not meant armed with guns and was referring to civil defense groups that had always loosely existed.

"In Bolivia, if the armed forces are shooting the people, killing the people, the people have the right to organize their security," he said in the interview with Reuters.

"We´re not talking arms, more like slingshots," he said.

"In some times (these groups) were called militias, in other times they were called union security or union police and in some places, it is called a communal guard. It is not new."

In the recording released by radio station Kawsachun Coca Tropico, Morales said he and his supporters had been "too trusting" ahead of last year´s presidential election and should have had a "Plan B."

"If between now and in a little while... I were to return (to Bolivia) or someone else goes back, we must organize as in Venezuela armed militias of the people," Morales said in the recording. "We were too trusting. The blunder: we did not have a 'Plan B'."

Morales fled Bolivia in November after political unrest sparked by his controversial election win.

The former coca farmer-led Bolivia for almost 14 years at the helm of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-rocks-bolivia-after-poll-shows-weakening-support-for-morales-249562">Movement for Socialism</a> (MAS) coalition but left for Mexico in mid-November after being granted asylum there. He then moved to Argentina.

His departure followed intense pressure from the armed forces after the Organization of American States found "overwhelming" irregularities in the October presidential elections which he won.

He has since described what happened as a coup. At least 29 people died in clashes between police and protesters in the unrest, a significant number in Morales strongholds.

Bolivia´s interim president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">Jeanine Añez</a>, a former senator and political opponent of Morales, said the recording showed that "peace, reconciliation, and democracy were never options for him."

"Given the intention of sowing terror and violence, they will only find the Bolivian people united, and in the face of threats, our deepest democratic vocation," Añez tweeted on Sunday night.

In mid-December, Bolivian prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Morales´arrest over allegations of sedition and terrorism.

The charges related to accusations by the Añez government that Morales had organised road blockades. Morales has denied the claim.

Morales told Reuters in an interview in December that he would return to his home country by next Christmas, but he has ruled out running as a candidate himself in the next elections scheduled for May 3.

Bolivia's exiled former president Evo Morales on Sunday defended a call he made for the formation of armed groups, a recording of which was leaked on public radio.

Bolivia's exiled former president Evo Morales on Sunday defended a call he made for the formation of armed groups, a recording of which was leaked on public radio. Speaking exclusively to Reuters on Sunday night in Argentina where he is in exile, the defiant former president confirmed he was the voice in a recording played on Bolivian radio calling for the creation of armed militias "as in Venezuela". He said people have a right to defend themselves if the new government was attacking them. He said he had not meant armed with guns and was referring to civil defense groups that had always loosely existed. "In Bolivia, if the armed forces are shooting the people, killing the people, the people have the right to organize their security," he said in the interview with Reuters. "We´re not talking arms, more like slingshots," he said. "In some times (these groups) were called militias, in other times they were called union security or union police and in some places, it is called a communal guard. It is not new." In the recording released by radio station Kawsachun Coca Tropico, Morales said he and his supporters had been "too trusting" ahead of last year´s presidential election and should have had a "Plan B." "If between now and in a little while... I were to return (to Bolivia) or someone else goes back, we must organize as in Venezuela armed militias of the people," Morales said in the recording. "We were too trusting. The blunder: we did not have a 'Plan B'." Morales fled Bolivia in November after political unrest sparked by his controversial election win. The former coca farmer-led Bolivia for almost 14 years at the helm of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) coalition but left for Mexico in mid-November after being granted asylum there. He then moved to Argentina. His departure followed intense pressure from the armed forces after the Organization of American States found "overwhelming" irregularities in the October presidential elections which he won. He has since described what happened as a coup. At least 29 people died in clashes between police and protesters in the unrest, a significant number in Morales strongholds. Bolivia´s interim president Jeanine Añez, a former senator and political opponent of Morales, said the recording showed that "peace, reconciliation, and democracy were never options for him." "Given the intention of sowing terror and violence, they will only find the Bolivian people united, and in the face of threats, our deepest democratic vocation," Añez tweeted on Sunday night. In mid-December, Bolivian prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Morales´arrest over allegations of sedition and terrorism. The charges related to accusations by the Añez government that Morales had organised road blockades. Morales has denied the claim. Morales told Reuters in an interview in December that he would return to his home country by next Christmas, but he has ruled out running as a candidate himself in the next elections scheduled for May 3.

Bolivia exiled ex-president Morales calls on radio for armed militias

There was a rare spark of festive cheer on Monday (January 6) for a group of Bolivian children growing up behind bars inside a La Paz prison.

Rare festive joy for Bolivia's prison children as Catholics mark Epiphany

Bolivia's government expelled&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;and&nbsp;Spanish&nbsp;diplomats on Monday, escalating a&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;dispute after Mexico's embassy in La Paz granted asylum to allies of&nbsp;Bolivia's former socialist president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-victim-of-coup-mexican-president-amlo-265630">Evo Morales</a>.

Bolivian caretaker President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">Jeanine Anez</a> said her administration had asked&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;ambassador María Teresa Mercado and several&nbsp;Spanish&nbsp;officials&nbsp;to leave the country within 72 hours and called them "persona non grata".

Shortly after, Mexico's foreign ministry said it would recall Mercado to ensure her safety and branded&nbsp;Bolivia's move as "political in nature".

In Madrid, Spain's foreign ministry said it would expel three&nbsp;Bolivian&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;staff over the matter.

Bolivia's disputed October election sparked widespread protests and Morales resigned last month in the face of growing civil and military pressure. Anez took over by default and has made sharp policy shifts away from his socialist government, fraying ties with leftist allies in the region.

Morales, meanwhile, claimed he was toppled in a right-wing "coup" and many of his allies have rallied behind him with the country headed for new elections in 2020. He fled the country and was granted asylum in Mexico. He is now in Argentina.

Mexican&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said the government aims to&nbsp;uphold ties with&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;and has not declared the&nbsp;Bolivian ambassador to Mexico persona non grata.

"For now, the foreign ministry does not have the intention of breaking&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;relations with&nbsp;Bolivia," Interior Minister Olga Sanchez told reporters. She added that tension between the two nations was nevertheless undeniable.

On Friday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexicos-next-government-to-weigh-legalising-drugs-152482">Mexico's governmen</a>t said&nbsp;Bolivian authorities harassed and intimidated its&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;staff and impeded the departure of&nbsp;Spanish&nbsp;officials&nbsp;visiting its embassy in the capital where a number of Morales' allies had holed&nbsp;up.

Anez said the&nbsp;Bolivian government would not tolerate people "trying to cover&nbsp;up&nbsp;and protect criminals who have committed crimes of sedition, armed&nbsp;uprising and terrorism" and that&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;would not be a "colony" of any other country.

According to&nbsp;Bolivia's government, a former senior aide to Morales, Juan Ramon Quintana, is among nine people who have taken asylum in the&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;embassy.

Mexico said last Thursday that it was asking the International Court of Justice to mediate the dispute.

Mexican&nbsp;Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/migrants-will-pay-the-price-of-mexicos-tariff-deal-with-trump-226455">Marcelo Ebrard</a> said in a Tweet that Mercado had "fully represented Mexico and its cause in favor of asylum and peace". Mercado wrote in a post in response she was proud to&nbsp;uphold Mexico's "principles and tradition of asylum."

Bolivia's government expelled Mexican and Spanish diplomats on Monday, escalating a diplomatic dispute after Mexico's embassy in La Paz granted asylum to allies of Bolivia's former socialist president Evo Morales.

Bolivia's government expelled Mexican and Spanish diplomats on Monday, escalating a diplomatic dispute after Mexico's embassy in La Paz granted asylum to allies of Bolivia's former socialist president Evo Morales. Bolivian caretaker President Jeanine Anez said her administration had asked Mexican ambassador María Teresa Mercado and several Spanish officials to leave the country within 72 hours and called them "persona non grata". Shortly after, Mexico's foreign ministry said it would recall Mercado to ensure her safety and branded Bolivia's move as "political in nature". In Madrid, Spain's foreign ministry said it would expel three Bolivian diplomatic staff over the matter. Bolivia's disputed October election sparked widespread protests and Morales resigned last month in the face of growing civil and military pressure. Anez took over by default and has made sharp policy shifts away from his socialist government, fraying ties with leftist allies in the region. Morales, meanwhile, claimed he was toppled in a right-wing "coup" and many of his allies have rallied behind him with the country headed for new elections in 2020. He fled the country and was granted asylum in Mexico. He is now in Argentina. Mexican officials said the government aims to uphold ties with Bolivia and has not declared the Bolivian ambassador to Mexico persona non grata. "For now, the foreign ministry does not have the intention of breaking diplomatic relations with Bolivia," Interior Minister Olga Sanchez told reporters. She added that tension between the two nations was nevertheless undeniable. On Friday, Mexico's government said Bolivian authorities harassed and intimidated its diplomatic staff and impeded the departure of Spanish officials visiting its embassy in the capital where a number of Morales' allies had holed up. Anez said the Bolivian government would not tolerate people "trying to cover up and protect criminals who have committed crimes of sedition, armed uprising and terrorism" and that Bolivia would not be a "colony" of any other country. According to Bolivia's government, a former senior aide to Morales, Juan Ramon Quintana, is among nine people who have taken asylum in the Mexican embassy. Mexico said last Thursday that it was asking the International Court of Justice to mediate the dispute. Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said in a Tweet that Mercado had "fully represented Mexico and its cause in favor of asylum and peace". Mercado wrote in a post in response she was proud to uphold Mexico's "principles and tradition of asylum."

Bolivia expels Mexican, Spanish officials as diplomatic standoff heats up

Bolivia on Friday slammed its former colonial ruler Spain for allegedly "trampling" its sovereignty in a deepening diplomatic row.

The two countries have been in a spiraling spat since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-accuses-bolivia-of-intimidating-its-diplomats-in-la-paz-269871">Mexico </a>granted asylum to Bolivian ex-president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-arrives-in-argentina-to-get-refugee-status-268008">Evo Morales</a>, who resigned on November 10 in the face of mass protests, and granted refuge to top officials from his leftist government at its embassy.

Police on Thursday stopped the entry of vehicles carrying hooded Spanish personnel from entering the embassy in La Paz, which has become the center of a diplomatic row after the embassy sheltered some 20 officials from the former government, Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said.

She did not say if Bolivia had derailed what could have been an attempted breakout of the Bolivian officials.

"Spanish embassy diplomatic and security staff in Bolivia are not authorized to carry firearms or wear attire that conceals their identity," she said, stressing "these acts contravene diplomatic practices."

Since Spain "abused the (diplomatic) privileges it has" under the Vienna Convention, Bolivia sent a letter to the Spanish Foreign Ministry to report the "serious trampling of Bolivia's sovereignty."

The diplomatic letter would be sent to the European Union, Organization of American States and United Nations, Longaric said.

Mexico accuses Bolivia's new interim government of responding with a campaign of "harassment and intimidation" by deploying a large contingent of police and intelligence officers outside the embassy. That move, according to Mexico, violates the 1961 Vienna Convention on the protected status of diplomatic missions.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard has said his staff would file a complaint with the International Court of Justice in the Hague.

Since right-wing interim president Jeanine Anez took over from Morales, the Bolivian authorities have issued arrest warrants for four of the ex-officials inside the Mexican embassy, accusing them of "sedition" and "terrorism" in connection with protest violence that killed 36 people.

Bolivia has been in turmoil since Morales, who had been in power since 2006, declared he won re-election to a controversial fourth term in a vote that was marred by accusations of fraud.

Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, resigned after losing the army's backing and fled to Mexico, then Argentina.

Bolivia on Friday slammed its former colonial ruler Spain for allegedly "trampling" its sovereignty in a deepening diplomatic row. The two countries have been in a spiraling spat since Mexico granted asylum to Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales, who resigned on November 10 in the face of mass protests, and granted refuge to top officials from his leftist government at its embassy.

Bolivia on Friday slammed its former colonial ruler Spain for allegedly "trampling" its sovereignty in a deepening diplomatic row. The two countries have been in a spiraling spat since Mexico granted asylum to Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales, who resigned on November 10 in the face of mass protests, and granted refuge to top officials from his leftist government at its embassy. Police on Thursday stopped the entry of vehicles carrying hooded Spanish personnel from entering the embassy in La Paz, which has become the center of a diplomatic row after the embassy sheltered some 20 officials from the former government, Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said. She did not say if Bolivia had derailed what could have been an attempted breakout of the Bolivian officials. "Spanish embassy diplomatic and security staff in Bolivia are not authorized to carry firearms or wear attire that conceals their identity," she said, stressing "these acts contravene diplomatic practices." Since Spain "abused the (diplomatic) privileges it has" under the Vienna Convention, Bolivia sent a letter to the Spanish Foreign Ministry to report the "serious trampling of Bolivia's sovereignty." The diplomatic letter would be sent to the European Union, Organization of American States and United Nations, Longaric said. Mexico accuses Bolivia's new interim government of responding with a campaign of "harassment and intimidation" by deploying a large contingent of police and intelligence officers outside the embassy. That move, according to Mexico, violates the 1961 Vienna Convention on the protected status of diplomatic missions. Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard has said his staff would file a complaint with the International Court of Justice in the Hague. Since right-wing interim president Jeanine Anez took over from Morales, the Bolivian authorities have issued arrest warrants for four of the ex-officials inside the Mexican embassy, accusing them of "sedition" and "terrorism" in connection with protest violence that killed 36 people. Bolivia has been in turmoil since Morales, who had been in power since 2006, declared he won re-election to a controversial fourth term in a vote that was marred by accusations of fraud. Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, resigned after losing the army's backing and fled to Mexico, then Argentina.

Bolivia slams Spain's bid to use arms in diplomatic row

Spain pledged Saturday to send investigators to La Paz after its embassy staff were accused of trying to sneak into the Mexican diplomatic mission with several masked individuals, an action <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-slams-spains-bid-to-use-arms-in-diplomatic-row-270679">denounced by Bolivia</a> as a "violation" of its sovereignty.

Bolivia's foreign ministry said the incident occurred on Friday when "people identified as staff members at Spain's embassy in Bolivia, accompanied by people with their faces covered, tried in a secretive and underhand manner to enter Mexico's diplomatic residence in La Paz".

Although the alleged intruders were stopped by Bolivian police, Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said La Paz had complained to Madrid in a letter about its "abuse" of diplomatic privileges which constituted a "serious trampling of Bolivia's sovereignty".

The letter would also be sent to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/croatia-votes-for-president-set-to-lead-european-union-269511">European Union</a>, the Organization of American States and the United Nations, Longaric said.

"Spanish embassy diplomatic and security staff in Bolivia are not authorised to carry firearms or wear attire that conceals their identity," she said, denouncing such acts as "contravening diplomatic practices".

The Spanish government said it would send ministry staff to investigate the incident which it said took place on Friday as Cristina Borreguero, its charge d'affairs in La Paz, was visiting the Mexican mission.&nbsp;

"The foreign ministry has agreed to open an investigation into the incidents which occurred during a visit by Spain's charge d'affaires to the Mexican embassy in Bolivia," it said.&nbsp;

"We are going to send people from the ministry in Madrid for the investigation," a ministry spokeswoman told AFP.&nbsp;

The Mexican mission has been at the centre of an ongoing diplomatic row with La Paz after it took in around 20 former top officials who served under ousted president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-arrives-in-argentina-to-get-refugee-status-268008">Evo Morales</a>.&nbsp;

Morales fled Bolivia last month after nearly 14 years in power following weeks of mass street protests.

The spat has seen Mexico accusing Bolivia's new interim government of "harassment and intimidation" for deploying a large contingent of police and intelligence officers outside the embassy.&nbsp;

Bolivia has been in turmoil since late October when Morales declared he had been re-elected following a disputed election marred by fraud. On November 10, after losing the army's backing, he resigned and fled to Mexico, and then to Argentina.

Spain pledged Saturday to send investigators to La Paz after its embassy staff were accused of trying to sneak into the Mexican diplomatic mission with several masked individuals, an action denounced by Bolivia as a "violation" of its sovereignty.

Spain pledged Saturday to send investigators to La Paz after its embassy staff were accused of trying to sneak into the Mexican diplomatic mission with several masked individuals, an action denounced by Bolivia as a "violation" of its sovereignty. Bolivia's foreign ministry said the incident occurred on Friday when "people identified as staff members at Spain's embassy in Bolivia, accompanied by people with their faces covered, tried in a secretive and underhand manner to enter Mexico's diplomatic residence in La Paz". Although the alleged intruders were stopped by Bolivian police, Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said La Paz had complained to Madrid in a letter about its "abuse" of diplomatic privileges which constituted a "serious trampling of Bolivia's sovereignty". The letter would also be sent to the European Union, the Organization of American States and the United Nations, Longaric said. "Spanish embassy diplomatic and security staff in Bolivia are not authorised to carry firearms or wear attire that conceals their identity," she said, denouncing such acts as "contravening diplomatic practices". The Spanish government said it would send ministry staff to investigate the incident which it said took place on Friday as Cristina Borreguero, its charge d'affairs in La Paz, was visiting the Mexican mission. "The foreign ministry has agreed to open an investigation into the incidents which occurred during a visit by Spain's charge d'affaires to the Mexican embassy in Bolivia," it said. "We are going to send people from the ministry in Madrid for the investigation," a ministry spokeswoman told AFP. The Mexican mission has been at the centre of an ongoing diplomatic row with La Paz after it took in around 20 former top officials who served under ousted president Evo Morales. Morales fled Bolivia last month after nearly 14 years in power following weeks of mass street protests. The spat has seen Mexico accusing Bolivia's new interim government of "harassment and intimidation" for deploying a large contingent of police and intelligence officers outside the embassy. Bolivia has been in turmoil since late October when Morales declared he had been re-elected following a disputed election marred by fraud. On November 10, after losing the army's backing, he resigned and fled to Mexico, and then to Argentina.

Spain to probe Mexico embassy incident that angered Bolivia

Mexico on Monday accused Bolivia of intimidating its diplomats while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-arrives-in-argentina-to-get-refugee-status-268008">Bolivia</a> said Mexico had hijacked a regional summit and dragged its feet in recognizing its new, conservative premier.&nbsp;

Mexico's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it was "deeply concerned" about "excessive" surveillance of the Mexican ambassador's residence and Mexican embassy in Bolivia by about 150 Bolivian intelligence and security service personnel.

In a letter to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-arrives-in-argentina-to-get-refugee-status-268008">Organization of American States</a> (OAS), Mexico said the Bolivians were "intimidating" diplomatic staff and attempted to "detain and inspect" the ambassador's vehicle on Monday.

Bolivia has tilted rightward since former&nbsp;socialist President Evo Morales resigned in November after a presidential election which the OAS said was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-election-rigging-in-favour-of-morales-was-overwhelming-oas-final-report-266281">rigged</a> in his favor. Bolivia is currently governed by interim President Jeanine Añez, a former conservative senator and opponent of Morales.

Mexico's leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador granted asylum to Morales, and he is now in Argentina where the new Peronist government of President Alberto Fernandez has indicated it will also give him political asylum.

On Monday, Bolivia's foreign ministry said it was considering pulling out of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) because Mexico, the 2020 president of the organization, made plans this year during Bolivia's presidency for a meeting on January&nbsp;8.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/175-children-abused-by-mexican-branch-of-catholic-church-report-269567">Mexico</a> had also been guilty of "unfriendly conduct" and had shown itself to be "reluctant" to recognize the Añez presidency, it added.&nbsp;

Bolivian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-reforges-us-ties-as-political-alliances-redrawn-264972">Karen Longaric</a> said she would not attend the January&nbsp;8 meeting in Mexico. "We will see if in the future we will remain part of CELAC or not," she told journalists at a news conference in La Paz.

Mexico on Monday accused Bolivia of intimidating its diplomats while Bolivia said Mexico had hijacked a regional summit and dragged its feet in recognizing its new, conservative premier.

Mexico on Monday accused Bolivia of intimidating its diplomats while Bolivia said Mexico had hijacked a regional summit and dragged its feet in recognizing its new, conservative premier. Mexico's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it was "deeply concerned" about "excessive" surveillance of the Mexican ambassador's residence and Mexican embassy in Bolivia by about 150 Bolivian intelligence and security service personnel. In a letter to the Organization of American States (OAS), Mexico said the Bolivians were "intimidating" diplomatic staff and attempted to "detain and inspect" the ambassador's vehicle on Monday. Bolivia has tilted rightward since former socialist President Evo Morales resigned in November after a presidential election which the OAS said was rigged in his favor. Bolivia is currently governed by interim President Jeanine Añez, a former conservative senator and opponent of Morales. Mexico's leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador granted asylum to Morales, and he is now in Argentina where the new Peronist government of President Alberto Fernandez has indicated it will also give him political asylum. On Monday, Bolivia's foreign ministry said it was considering pulling out of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) because Mexico, the 2020 president of the organization, made plans this year during Bolivia's presidency for a meeting on January 8. Mexico had also been guilty of "unfriendly conduct" and had shown itself to be "reluctant" to recognize the Añez presidency, it added. Bolivian Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said she would not attend the January 8 meeting in Mexico. "We will see if in the future we will remain part of CELAC or not," she told journalists at a news conference in La Paz.

Mexico accuses Bolivia of intimidating diplomats in La Paz

Bolivian ex-President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-victim-of-coup-mexican-president-amlo-265630">Evo Morales</a> arrived in Argentina on Thursday seeking refuge under the country's new leftist government after he left his homeland last month following a disputed election.

Morales was granted asylum in Argentina and was on his way to "definitive refugee status," the Argentine interior ministry said in a statement. Center-left President Alberto Fernandez, a Morales ally, was inaugurated on Tuesday.

Four former members of Morales' government have also been granted asylum, including his former health minister Gabriela Montano, the ministry said.

Morales had previously been in Mexico where he was granted asylum after his resignation in the wake of a presidential election which the Organization of American States <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-election-rigging-in-favour-of-morales-was-overwhelming-oas-final-report-266281">(OAS) says was rigged</a> in his favor.

Both Morales and Montano signed a petition upon arrival in Buenos Aires that complied with the "conditions of their refugee status," the Argentine government said, without detailing the conditions.

Argentina's new foreign minister, Felipe Sola, said on an Argentine TV station that the government wanted a commitment from Morales to not make political statements while in the country.

Morales, an iconic socialist leader in Latin America who had been in power for nearly 14 years, thanked Argentina and Mexico for their "support and solidarity" in a tweet after arriving in Argentina.

"My eternal thanks to President (Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador) and the government of Mexico for saving my life and for sheltering me. I felt at home with Mexican sisters and brothers for a month," Morales said in the tweet.

Morales resigned as president on November&nbsp;10 after the OAS declared there were serious irregularities during the Oct. 20 election, prompting political allies to quit and the army to urge him to step down.

There was no meeting planned between Morales and Fernandez, but they could talk on the phone, Sola said.

A senior US&nbsp;official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Morales' presence in Argentina was "not welcome news."

"We will not accept any attempt or action by Morales to meddle or use Argentina as a staging ground to stoke violence or unrest or to undermine a democratic transition in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-reforges-us-ties-as-political-alliances-redrawn-264972">Bolivia</a>," the official said.

Morales, who was Bolivia's first indigenous president, insisted on seeking a fourth term in office, in defiance of term limits and a 2016 referendum in which Bolivians voted against him being allowed to do that. After he resigned, interim President Jeanine Anez was appointed.

Bolivian Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said in La Paz on Thursday that she hoped Argentina would restrict Morales from making political statements.

"We hope that Argentina rigorously complies with the principles and rules of the right of asylum and the right of refuge and that what happened in Mexico - that had an open microphone, an open arena for policy making - does not occur," Longaric said.

Bolivian ex-President Evo Morales arrived in Argentina on Thursday seeking refuge under the country's new leftist government after he left his homeland last month following a disputed election.

Bolivian ex-President Evo Morales arrived in Argentina on Thursday seeking refuge under the country's new leftist government after he left his homeland last month following a disputed election. Morales was granted asylum in Argentina and was on his way to "definitive refugee status," the Argentine interior ministry said in a statement. Center-left President Alberto Fernandez, a Morales ally, was inaugurated on Tuesday. Four former members of Morales' government have also been granted asylum, including his former health minister Gabriela Montano, the ministry said. Morales had previously been in Mexico where he was granted asylum after his resignation in the wake of a presidential election which the Organization of American States (OAS) says was rigged in his favor. Both Morales and Montano signed a petition upon arrival in Buenos Aires that complied with the "conditions of their refugee status," the Argentine government said, without detailing the conditions. Argentina's new foreign minister, Felipe Sola, said on an Argentine TV station that the government wanted a commitment from Morales to not make political statements while in the country. Morales, an iconic socialist leader in Latin America who had been in power for nearly 14 years, thanked Argentina and Mexico for their "support and solidarity" in a tweet after arriving in Argentina. "My eternal thanks to President (Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador) and the government of Mexico for saving my life and for sheltering me. I felt at home with Mexican sisters and brothers for a month," Morales said in the tweet. Morales resigned as president on November 10 after the OAS declared there were serious irregularities during the Oct. 20 election, prompting political allies to quit and the army to urge him to step down. There was no meeting planned between Morales and Fernandez, but they could talk on the phone, Sola said. A senior US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Morales' presence in Argentina was "not welcome news." "We will not accept any attempt or action by Morales to meddle or use Argentina as a staging ground to stoke violence or unrest or to undermine a democratic transition in Bolivia," the official said. Morales, who was Bolivia's first indigenous president, insisted on seeking a fourth term in office, in defiance of term limits and a 2016 referendum in which Bolivians voted against him being allowed to do that. After he resigned, interim President Jeanine Anez was appointed. Bolivian Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said in La Paz on Thursday that she hoped Argentina would restrict Morales from making political statements. "We hope that Argentina rigorously complies with the principles and rules of the right of asylum and the right of refuge and that what happened in Mexico - that had an open microphone, an open arena for policy making - does not occur," Longaric said.

Bolivia's Morales arrives in Argentina, to get refugee status

An Americas regional forum on Wednesday published details of "deliberate" and "malicious" steps to rig <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-launches-anti-terror-unit-in-bid-to-fight-threatening-foreign-groups-266039">Bolivia's October election</a> in favour of then-President Evo Morales, who has resigned and left the Andean nation in political crisis.

A nearly 100-page report by the Organisation of American States (OAS) described several violations, including the use of a hidden computer server designed to tilt the vote toward Morales.

A charismatic leftist and Bolivia's first indigenous president, Morales stood for president despite a 2016 referendum that voted down a proposal to allow him to run for a fourth consecutive term. A court packed with loyalists gave him a green light to run indefinitely.

"Given the overwhelming evidence we have found, we can confirm a series of malicious operations aimed at altering the will of the voters," the OAS report said.

OAS findings included "deliberate actions to manipulate the result of the election" that make it "impossible to validate" the official results, the report said.

Morales fled to Mexico shortly after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-reforges-us-ties-as-political-alliances-redrawn-264972">OAS' initial report</a> in early November. He described the allegations of vote-rigging as a political hit, saying the OAS was "in the service of the North American empire."

Bolivia’s Congress in late November passed legislation to annul the contested elections and pave the way for a new vote without Morales, a major breakthrough in the political crisis.

Interim President Jeanine Anez, a former conservative lawmaker, has also pledged new elections.

At least 30 people have died in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-first-ambassador-to-united-states-appointed-in-11-years-264747">clashes between protesters and security forces</a> since the October&nbsp;20 election. Most have died since Morales stepped down on November&nbsp;10.

An Americas regional forum on Wednesday published details of "deliberate" and "malicious" steps to rig Bolivia's October election in favour of then-President Evo Morales, who has resigned and left the Andean nation in political crisis.

An Americas regional forum on Wednesday published details of "deliberate" and "malicious" steps to rig Bolivia's October election in favour of then-President Evo Morales, who has resigned and left the Andean nation in political crisis. A nearly 100-page report by the Organisation of American States (OAS) described several violations, including the use of a hidden computer server designed to tilt the vote toward Morales. A charismatic leftist and Bolivia's first indigenous president, Morales stood for president despite a 2016 referendum that voted down a proposal to allow him to run for a fourth consecutive term. A court packed with loyalists gave him a green light to run indefinitely. "Given the overwhelming evidence we have found, we can confirm a series of malicious operations aimed at altering the will of the voters," the OAS report said. OAS findings included "deliberate actions to manipulate the result of the election" that make it "impossible to validate" the official results, the report said. Morales fled to Mexico shortly after the OAS' initial report in early November. He described the allegations of vote-rigging as a political hit, saying the OAS was "in the service of the North American empire." Bolivia’s Congress in late November passed legislation to annul the contested elections and pave the way for a new vote without Morales, a major breakthrough in the political crisis. Interim President Jeanine Anez, a former conservative lawmaker, has also pledged new elections. At least 30 people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces since the October 20 election. Most have died since Morales stepped down on November 10.

Bolivia election rigging in favour of Morales was 'overwhelming': OAS final report

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