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

Shops were shuttered and streets barricaded in the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz on Thursday (November 7) as opposition supporters go on strike to pressure President Evo Morales to resign over contentious election results, and with no end in sight to the deadlock, locals are finding it tough.

Bolivian city shuts down in protest amidst election tensions

Bolivia's government accused its rivals Sunday of plotting deadly violence against it after an opposition figure vowed to oust leftist President Evo Morales and called for the military's support.

Deadly unrest has gripped the South American country since Morales was named winner of the October 20 election for a fourth term.

His opponents have branded the result a fraud, and Carlos Mesa, who ran against Morales in the recent polls, has called for a new vote to be held.

"We believe... that the best solution to this crisis in the current circumstances is a new election, administered by an impartial new (electoral body) and with rigorous observation of the international community," Mesa said Sunday.

Late on Saturday, a conservative opposition leader in the eastern Santa Cruz region threatened to drive Morales out.

"He has 48 hours to step down, because at 7:00 pm (2300 GMT) on Monday, we are going to take decisive action right here and we are going to make sure that he goes," Luis Fernando Camacho told a gathering of supporters.

He called on the military to "be on the side of the people."

Morales responded by accusing his opponents of seeking bloodshed.

"They want people to be killed by the police and the military," he said in a televised interview.

Interior Minister Carlos Romero alleged a "coup strategy" was underway.

He told reporters the government had intelligence "indicating that a violent confrontation is being prepared" for Monday night near the presidential palace in La Paz.

"Whoever asks for military intervention is asking for blood and is asking for death," Romero said.

History of coups

Camacho did not specify what kind of action he had in mind. His supporters have previously taken over public buildings.

The military has so far stayed neutral in the electoral dispute but calling on it to intervene is a delicate move in Bolivia.

The country saw numerous military uprisings and dictatorships before civilian rule was established in 1982.

Morales is looking to remain in power until 2025 with a fourth term.

His election win was ratified by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal -- but only after an abrupt and unexplained shift in the vote count in his favour.

The Organization of American States is carrying out an audit of the vote. The opposition has rejected that as a distraction to help Morales hold on to power.

Bolivia's constitution limits a president to two successive terms. But the constitutional court authorised Morales to stand for a fourth mandate.

The court, like the election tribunal, is made up of members appointed by Morales's Movement for Socialism.

The interior minister last week said two demonstrators were killed in clashes. State authorities say 140 people have been hurt in the unrest.

Unrest has also erupted in recent weeks in other Latin American countries, including neighbouring Chile and Ecuador where protesters are angry at economic hardship. 
&nbsp;

Bolivia's government accused its rivals Sunday of plotting deadly violence against it after an opposition figure vowed to oust leftist President Evo Morales and called for the military's support.

Bolivia's government accused its rivals Sunday of plotting deadly violence against it after an opposition figure vowed to oust leftist President Evo Morales and called for the military's support. Deadly unrest has gripped the South American country since Morales was named winner of the October 20 election for a fourth term. His opponents have branded the result a fraud, and Carlos Mesa, who ran against Morales in the recent polls, has called for a new vote to be held. "We believe... that the best solution to this crisis in the current circumstances is a new election, administered by an impartial new (electoral body) and with rigorous observation of the international community," Mesa said Sunday. Late on Saturday, a conservative opposition leader in the eastern Santa Cruz region threatened to drive Morales out. "He has 48 hours to step down, because at 7:00 pm (2300 GMT) on Monday, we are going to take decisive action right here and we are going to make sure that he goes," Luis Fernando Camacho told a gathering of supporters. He called on the military to "be on the side of the people." Morales responded by accusing his opponents of seeking bloodshed. "They want people to be killed by the police and the military," he said in a televised interview. Interior Minister Carlos Romero alleged a "coup strategy" was underway. He told reporters the government had intelligence "indicating that a violent confrontation is being prepared" for Monday night near the presidential palace in La Paz. "Whoever asks for military intervention is asking for blood and is asking for death," Romero said. History of coups Camacho did not specify what kind of action he had in mind. His supporters have previously taken over public buildings. The military has so far stayed neutral in the electoral dispute but calling on it to intervene is a delicate move in Bolivia. The country saw numerous military uprisings and dictatorships before civilian rule was established in 1982. Morales is looking to remain in power until 2025 with a fourth term. His election win was ratified by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal -- but only after an abrupt and unexplained shift in the vote count in his favour. The Organization of American States is carrying out an audit of the vote. The opposition has rejected that as a distraction to help Morales hold on to power. Bolivia's constitution limits a president to two successive terms. But the constitutional court authorised Morales to stand for a fourth mandate. The court, like the election tribunal, is made up of members appointed by Morales's Movement for Socialism. The interior minister last week said two demonstrators were killed in clashes. State authorities say 140 people have been hurt in the unrest. Unrest has also erupted in recent weeks in other Latin American countries, including neighbouring Chile and Ecuador where protesters are angry at economic hardship.

Bolivia leader warns of bloodshed as opponents vow to oust him

At least two people have died in clashes between supporters and opponents of Bolivian President Evo Morales following his disputed election victory earlier this month, the country's defence minister said Wednesday.

"The truth is that human lives have been lost, and that is irreparable," Javier Zabaleta told local media, following reports of violence in the eastern town of Montero in Santa Cruz department.

"The worst of all this is that if we, the politicians, do not seek a solution to this, what has happened now in Montero can be repeated not only in Santa Cruz but in other parts of the country," the minister added.

The El Debe newspaper identified the two victims as being men aged 48 and 60, saying they had been shot.

A doctor at the Montero clinic confirmed to La Razon newspaper that "both died with the same characteristics... with weapons of the same caliber."

President of the opposition civil committee of Montero Regis Medina, who called a strike against the election of Morales, also reported that two people had been killed.

The killings came as Bolivia's government agreed to a binding audit by the US-based Organization of the American States of the disputed election results, which awarded Morales a fourth term in office.

However, opposition leader Carlos Mesa, who was defeated by Morales in the vote, rejected the audit.

Angry opposition protesters have set up street barricades and gone on strike since the announcement of the results, fighting Morales supporters with bare hands and makeshift weapons.

Demonstrators have also clashed with security forces.

Mesa has called for strikes to continue and claimed that civic institutions and social movements supported his rejection of the official results.

At least two people have died in clashes between supporters and opponents of Bolivian President Evo Morales following his disputed election victory earlier this month, the country's defence minister said Wednesday.

At least two people have died in clashes between supporters and opponents of Bolivian President Evo Morales following his disputed election victory earlier this month, the country's defence minister said Wednesday. "The truth is that human lives have been lost, and that is irreparable," Javier Zabaleta told local media, following reports of violence in the eastern town of Montero in Santa Cruz department. "The worst of all this is that if we, the politicians, do not seek a solution to this, what has happened now in Montero can be repeated not only in Santa Cruz but in other parts of the country," the minister added. The El Debe newspaper identified the two victims as being men aged 48 and 60, saying they had been shot. A doctor at the Montero clinic confirmed to La Razon newspaper that "both died with the same characteristics... with weapons of the same caliber." President of the opposition civil committee of Montero Regis Medina, who called a strike against the election of Morales, also reported that two people had been killed. The killings came as Bolivia's government agreed to a binding audit by the US-based Organization of the American States of the disputed election results, which awarded Morales a fourth term in office. However, opposition leader Carlos Mesa, who was defeated by Morales in the vote, rejected the audit. Angry opposition protesters have set up street barricades and gone on strike since the announcement of the results, fighting Morales supporters with bare hands and makeshift weapons. Demonstrators have also clashed with security forces. Mesa has called for strikes to continue and claimed that civic institutions and social movements supported his rejection of the official results.

At least two dead in Bolivia post-election clashes: Defence minister

The Bolivian government said on Sunday it planned to agree on a deal with the Organisation of American States (OAS) within days to audit a controversial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/political-turmoil-deepening-in-bolivia-protests-over-alleged-electoral-fraud-258057">national election</a> that handed President Evo Morales an outright win amid allegations of vote-rigging.

Washington also weighed in with its concerns about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-set-to-win-outright-as-disputed-vote-count-nears-completion-257985">last week's poll</a> that gave leftist Morales his fourth term in office, while main opposition rival Carlos Mesa called for a general strike in the capital of La Paz on Monday to protest the result.

"The world is watching Bolivia's institutions and leaders to ensure that the voice and will of the Bolivian people are honoured," US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Sunday.

Bolivian Deputy Trade Minister Benjamin Blanco told state TV on Sunday that a deal with Washington-based OAS on the terms of an audit, including the selection of chief auditors, was being negotiated and should wrap up this week. The OAS said on Saturday that it expected to begin the audit mid-week.

Asked if the government would agree to enact the audit's findings, Blanco said any deal "can't contradict what's established in our constitution and national laws." Morales has said he would call a second-round run-off vote with his closest rival Carlos Mesa if the OAS' audit turned up any evidence of fraud.

Brazil, Bolivia's biggest trade partner, has said it would not recognise Morales' victory until an audit was completed. The OAS has similarly said the result could not be considered legitimate before an audit, given "serious doubts" about fairness and transparency.

Morales has repeatedly denied allegations by the right-leaning opposition that he strong-armed the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) into giving him just enough votes in Sunday's election to avoid a riskier second-round election with Mesa.

Citing "massive fraud", <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mesa-cries-foul-turmoil-flares-in-bolivia-after-morales-declared-official-winner-258151">Mesa called for a strike</a> in La Paz on Monday, which would intensify days of protests that have already seen electoral offices in some regions torched and large marches and strikes in major cities.

"We cannot allow authoritarianism that is increasingly turning into a dictatorship rob the people of its will," Mesa said in a video posted on Twitter on Sunday.

Morales had warned on Saturday that his rural supporters would siege cities that continue to protest his victory, alleging the opposition was stirring up unrest in a bid to unseat him illegally.

Mesa said the government was "trying to quiet the voices of the citizenry," adding "we're not afraid."

The TSE has denied vote tampering since sparking an uproar for abruptly halting publication of results from an electronic quick count of ballots that had aimed to make last Sunday's election more transparent.

With 84 per cent&nbsp;of votes counted, polling showed Morales was likely headed to a run-off with Mesa. But when the TSE resumed reporting of the quick count after a nearly 24-hour pause, Morales had pulled off a razor-thin first-round victory.

The final, legally-binding vote tally gave him 47.08 per cent&nbsp;of votes to Mesa's 35.51 per cent, less than a percentage point over the 10-point lead needed to avoid a run-off and giving him another five-year term.

Protesters say Morales had stocked the TSE and local courts with supporters as he has grown more authoritarian after nearly 14 years in office.

Morales, who denies the charges, ran again this year in defiance of term limits and a national referendum that had oppposed lifting them, after a court ruling found barring him would violate his human rights.

The Bolivian government said on Sunday it planned to agree on a deal with the Organisation of American States (OAS) within days to audit a controversial national election that handed President Evo Morales an outright win amid allegations of vote-rigging.

The Bolivian government said on Sunday it planned to agree on a deal with the Organisation of American States (OAS) within days to audit a controversial national election that handed President Evo Morales an outright win amid allegations of vote-rigging. Washington also weighed in with its concerns about last week's poll that gave leftist Morales his fourth term in office, while main opposition rival Carlos Mesa called for a general strike in the capital of La Paz on Monday to protest the result. "The world is watching Bolivia's institutions and leaders to ensure that the voice and will of the Bolivian people are honoured," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Sunday. Bolivian Deputy Trade Minister Benjamin Blanco told state TV on Sunday that a deal with Washington-based OAS on the terms of an audit, including the selection of chief auditors, was being negotiated and should wrap up this week. The OAS said on Saturday that it expected to begin the audit mid-week. Asked if the government would agree to enact the audit's findings, Blanco said any deal "can't contradict what's established in our constitution and national laws." Morales has said he would call a second-round run-off vote with his closest rival Carlos Mesa if the OAS' audit turned up any evidence of fraud. Brazil, Bolivia's biggest trade partner, has said it would not recognise Morales' victory until an audit was completed. The OAS has similarly said the result could not be considered legitimate before an audit, given "serious doubts" about fairness and transparency. Morales has repeatedly denied allegations by the right-leaning opposition that he strong-armed the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) into giving him just enough votes in Sunday's election to avoid a riskier second-round election with Mesa. Citing "massive fraud", Mesa called for a strike in La Paz on Monday, which would intensify days of protests that have already seen electoral offices in some regions torched and large marches and strikes in major cities. "We cannot allow authoritarianism that is increasingly turning into a dictatorship rob the people of its will," Mesa said in a video posted on Twitter on Sunday. Morales had warned on Saturday that his rural supporters would siege cities that continue to protest his victory, alleging the opposition was stirring up unrest in a bid to unseat him illegally. Mesa said the government was "trying to quiet the voices of the citizenry," adding "we're not afraid." The TSE has denied vote tampering since sparking an uproar for abruptly halting publication of results from an electronic quick count of ballots that had aimed to make last Sunday's election more transparent. With 84 per cent of votes counted, polling showed Morales was likely headed to a run-off with Mesa. But when the TSE resumed reporting of the quick count after a nearly 24-hour pause, Morales had pulled off a razor-thin first-round victory. The final, legally-binding vote tally gave him 47.08 per cent of votes to Mesa's 35.51 per cent, less than a percentage point over the 10-point lead needed to avoid a run-off and giving him another five-year term. Protesters say Morales had stocked the TSE and local courts with supporters as he has grown more authoritarian after nearly 14 years in office. Morales, who denies the charges, ran again this year in defiance of term limits and a national referendum that had oppposed lifting them, after a court ruling found barring him would violate his human rights.

Bolivia govt close to striking deal on election audit as protests intensify

Unrest unravelled in La Paz on Thursday (October 24) after a final vote tally by Bolivia's electoral board gave President Evo Morales an outright win in the first-round election, with 47.07% of ballots compared to 36.51% for runner-up Carlos Mesa, data on the board's website showed.

Mesa cries foul; turmoil flares in Bolivia after Morales declared official winner

Violence broke out in several Bolivian cities Monday after the main opposition candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-election-sparks-protest-as-rivals-clash-over-results-257398">rejected presidential election results </a>that seemed set to give victory to long-time incumbent Evo Morales, as international monitors voiced "deep concern."

Rival supporters clashed in the capital La Paz, while in the southern city of Sucre an angry mob set a local electoral authority's headquarters on fire, TV images showed.&nbsp;

Protesters clashed with police in the mining city of Potosi and attacked the local electoral authority as well as local government offices.

Riot-police dispersed a crowd who tried to storm the electoral offices in the Andean city of Oruro, south of La Paz.&nbsp;

Clashes were also reported in Tarija in the south, Cochabamba in the center and Cobija in the north.

Carlos Mesa, who came a close second to Morales in Sunday's polls, forcing a run-off, according to preliminary results,&nbsp;denounced revised results released by election authorities as a "fraud."

"We are not going to recognize those results that are part of a shameful, consumated fraud, that is putting Bolivian society in a situation of unnecessary tension," said Mesa.

Mesa, a former president of the country between 2001-2005, accused Morales of colluding with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) to tweak delayed results and avoid a run-off.

The United States' top diplomat for Latin America said the Electoral Tribunal was attempting "to subvert Bolivia's democracy by delaying the vote count and taking actions that undermine the credibility of Bolivia's elections."

"We call on the TSE to immediately act to restore credibility in the vote-counting process," the official, Michael Kozak, said on Twitter.

Election monitors from the Organization of American States voiced "deep concern" at sudden changes to the election count to show Morales closing in on an outright victory in the first round.

The OAS observer mission in the country expressed "surprise at the drastic and hard-to-explain change in the trend of the preliminary results revealed after the closing of the polls," it said in a statement.

Preliminary results released late Sunday showed neither Morales, 59, nor 66-year-old Mesa with a majority and "clearly indicated a second round," the OAS mission said.

The partial results put Morales in the lead with 45 per cent of the votes, with Mesa on 38 per cent, meaning Morales would have to contest a run-off for the first time.

But results released late Monday, after a long delay, showed Morales edging towards an outright victory with 95 per cent of the votes counted.

The OAS called on the election authority to "firmly defend the will of the Bolivian people" and called for calm on the streets.

"It is extremely important that calm is maintained and any form of violence is avoided in this delicate situation," it added.

Morales, Latin America's longest-serving president, is controversially seeking a fourth term.

He obtained Constitutional Court permission in 2017 to run again for president even though the constitution allows only two consecutive terms.

The former coca farmer and leftist union leader has led the poor but resource-rich Latin American country for the past 13 years, though his popularity has waned amid allegations of corruption and authoritarianism.

He has led the country since taking office in 2006 when he became its first indigenous president.&nbsp;

A new mandate would keep him in power until 2025.

As the leader of his Movement for Socialism Party (MAS), Morales points to a decade of economic stability and considerable industrialization as his achievements, while insisting he has brought "dignity" to Bolivia's indigenous population, the largest in Latin America.

He has come under severe criticism this year as wildfires in August and September ravaged Bolivia's forests and grasslands, with activists saying his policies encouraged the use of blazes to clear farmland.

Violence broke out in several Bolivian cities Monday after the main opposition candidate rejected presidential election results that seemed set to give victory to long-time incumbent Evo Morales, as international monitors voiced "deep concern.

Violence broke out in several Bolivian cities Monday after the main opposition candidate rejected presidential election results that seemed set to give victory to long-time incumbent Evo Morales, as international monitors voiced "deep concern." Rival supporters clashed in the capital La Paz, while in the southern city of Sucre an angry mob set a local electoral authority's headquarters on fire, TV images showed. Protesters clashed with police in the mining city of Potosi and attacked the local electoral authority as well as local government offices. Riot-police dispersed a crowd who tried to storm the electoral offices in the Andean city of Oruro, south of La Paz. Clashes were also reported in Tarija in the south, Cochabamba in the center and Cobija in the north. Carlos Mesa, who came a close second to Morales in Sunday's polls, forcing a run-off, according to preliminary results, denounced revised results released by election authorities as a "fraud." "We are not going to recognize those results that are part of a shameful, consumated fraud, that is putting Bolivian society in a situation of unnecessary tension," said Mesa. Mesa, a former president of the country between 2001-2005, accused Morales of colluding with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) to tweak delayed results and avoid a run-off. The United States' top diplomat for Latin America said the Electoral Tribunal was attempting "to subvert Bolivia's democracy by delaying the vote count and taking actions that undermine the credibility of Bolivia's elections." "We call on the TSE to immediately act to restore credibility in the vote-counting process," the official, Michael Kozak, said on Twitter. Election monitors from the Organization of American States voiced "deep concern" at sudden changes to the election count to show Morales closing in on an outright victory in the first round. The OAS observer mission in the country expressed "surprise at the drastic and hard-to-explain change in the trend of the preliminary results revealed after the closing of the polls," it said in a statement. Preliminary results released late Sunday showed neither Morales, 59, nor 66-year-old Mesa with a majority and "clearly indicated a second round," the OAS mission said. The partial results put Morales in the lead with 45 per cent of the votes, with Mesa on 38 per cent, meaning Morales would have to contest a run-off for the first time. But results released late Monday, after a long delay, showed Morales edging towards an outright victory with 95 per cent of the votes counted. The OAS called on the election authority to "firmly defend the will of the Bolivian people" and called for calm on the streets. "It is extremely important that calm is maintained and any form of violence is avoided in this delicate situation," it added. Morales, Latin America's longest-serving president, is controversially seeking a fourth term. He obtained Constitutional Court permission in 2017 to run again for president even though the constitution allows only two consecutive terms. The former coca farmer and leftist union leader has led the poor but resource-rich Latin American country for the past 13 years, though his popularity has waned amid allegations of corruption and authoritarianism. He has led the country since taking office in 2006 when he became its first indigenous president. A new mandate would keep him in power until 2025. As the leader of his Movement for Socialism Party (MAS), Morales points to a decade of economic stability and considerable industrialization as his achievements, while insisting he has brought "dignity" to Bolivia's indigenous population, the largest in Latin America. He has come under severe criticism this year as wildfires in August and September ravaged Bolivia's forests and grasslands, with activists saying his policies encouraged the use of blazes to clear farmland.

Violence breaks out in Bolivia over vote count

Bolivia burns in the aftermath of presidential elections

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

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