Clashes between security forces and Bolivian coca farmers loyal to ousted former President Evo Morales left as many as eight dead and more than 100 injured late on Friday, the regional ombudsman told Reuters, prompting Morales to decry a "massacre."

Morales resigned under pressure from Bolivia's police and military last Sunday after evidence of vote-rigging tainted his October&nbsp;20 election victory. He then fled to Mexico.

The leftist and charismatic former coca farmer has called his ouster a "coup," and decried growing allegations of heavy-handed repression by Bolivian security forces.

"The coup leaders massacre indigenous people and humble people for asking for democracy," Morales said on Twitter late Friday, following reports of mounting deaths.

The violence in Bolivia adds to a wave of unrest in the region, including in neighbour Chile, where protests over social inequalities spiralled out of control and left at least 20 dead.

Cochabamba regional ombudsman Nelson Cox said hospital records in the coca farming region showed the "vast majority" of Friday´s deaths and injuries had been caused by bullet wounds. He called the reaction of security forces in the region an "act of repression."

"We are working with the national ombudsman´s office to conduct autopsies to determine the cause of death and seek justice for these victims," Cox told Reuters in an interview Saturday morning.

Supporters continue to agitate for Morales, blocking major highways, cutting oil pipelines and launching mass protests in the streets of La Paz, El Alto and in coca farming regions long loyal to him.

Though the capital La Paz was calm Saturday morning, highway blockades prompted panic on the streets, with many rushing to hoard groceries as supplies ran low and prices rose.

Bolivia´s national ombudsman said Friday that total deaths had hit 19 since the Oct. 20 election, a number which has accelerated over the last week.

The rising body count prompted Morales to strike a more conciliatory tone with the government of interim President Jeanine Anez in recent days.

"For the sake of democracy, if they don't want me to take part, I have no problem not taking part in new elections," Morales told Reuters in an interview in Mexico City. 
&nbsp;

Clashes between security forces and Bolivian coca farmers loyal to ousted former President Evo Morales left as many as eight dead and more than 100 injured late on Friday, the regional ombudsman told Reuters, prompting Morales to decry a "massacre.

Clashes between security forces and Bolivian coca farmers loyal to ousted former President Evo Morales left as many as eight dead and more than 100 injured late on Friday, the regional ombudsman told Reuters, prompting Morales to decry a "massacre." Morales resigned under pressure from Bolivia's police and military last Sunday after evidence of vote-rigging tainted his October 20 election victory. He then fled to Mexico. The leftist and charismatic former coca farmer has called his ouster a "coup," and decried growing allegations of heavy-handed repression by Bolivian security forces. "The coup leaders massacre indigenous people and humble people for asking for democracy," Morales said on Twitter late Friday, following reports of mounting deaths. The violence in Bolivia adds to a wave of unrest in the region, including in neighbour Chile, where protests over social inequalities spiralled out of control and left at least 20 dead. Cochabamba regional ombudsman Nelson Cox said hospital records in the coca farming region showed the "vast majority" of Friday´s deaths and injuries had been caused by bullet wounds. He called the reaction of security forces in the region an "act of repression." "We are working with the national ombudsman´s office to conduct autopsies to determine the cause of death and seek justice for these victims," Cox told Reuters in an interview Saturday morning. Supporters continue to agitate for Morales, blocking major highways, cutting oil pipelines and launching mass protests in the streets of La Paz, El Alto and in coca farming regions long loyal to him. Though the capital La Paz was calm Saturday morning, highway blockades prompted panic on the streets, with many rushing to hoard groceries as supplies ran low and prices rose. Bolivia´s national ombudsman said Friday that total deaths had hit 19 since the Oct. 20 election, a number which has accelerated over the last week. The rising body count prompted Morales to strike a more conciliatory tone with the government of interim President Jeanine Anez in recent days. "For the sake of democracy, if they don't want me to take part, I have no problem not taking part in new elections," Morales told Reuters in an interview in Mexico City.

Bolivian police battle with Morales supporters, death toll jumps to 8; over 100 injured

The Venezuelan opposition will hold nationwide protests on Saturday in the hope of reviving a stalled movement to oust President Nicolas Maduro, who has held on to power despite an economic crisis and aggressive US sanctions.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido kick-started a groundswell protest movement in January by invoking the constitution to assume an interim presidency after declaring Maduro's 2018 re-election a fraud.

But the energy has waned and frustration is mounting as Maduro remains in control and the economic meltdown continues to push Venezuelan migrants across the country's borders.

"The dictatorship has underestimated the Venezuelan people. They have not been able to make us grow accustomed to living in misery," Guaido tweeted on Friday night.

Masked men on Friday forced their way into the offices of opposition party Popular Will, to which Guaido belongs. Opposition leaders called the incident an intimidation effort in the run-up to the demonstrations.

The opposition has been inspired by the resignation of Bolivian President Evo Morales, a Maduro ally who was accused of manipulating the results of an election in October but later resigned after the violent street protest.

But the change in Venezuela continues to hinge on a shift in the allegiance of the armed forces, which remain loyal to Maduro and the ruling Socialist Party. That contrasts with Bolivia's military leaders, who urged Morales to step down.

Demonstrators in cities around the country plan to stage rallies during the morning and are expected to hold marches in the afternoon.

The Caracas metro, the capital's principal form of public transport, said it was closing a group of stations in the area of the protests for maintenance. Critics said it was an attempt to weaken the demonstrations.

The Socialist party has called a separate rally in Caracas in support of Bolivia's Morales.

Venezuela has for years suffered under hyperinflation and a collapsing economy, spurring an exodus of more than 4 million seeking better access to food and medicine.

More than 50 countries have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president and the United States has implemented a sanctions program that has crippled Venezuela's oil exports.

Maduro dismisses Guaido as a puppet of the United States, and blames the economic problems on U.S. sanctions.

The Venezuelan opposition will hold nationwide protests on Saturday in the hope of reviving a stalled movement to oust President Nicolas Maduro, who has held on to power despite an economic crisis and aggressive US sanctions.

The Venezuelan opposition will hold nationwide protests on Saturday in the hope of reviving a stalled movement to oust President Nicolas Maduro, who has held on to power despite an economic crisis and aggressive US sanctions. Opposition leader Juan Guaido kick-started a groundswell protest movement in January by invoking the constitution to assume an interim presidency after declaring Maduro's 2018 re-election a fraud. But the energy has waned and frustration is mounting as Maduro remains in control and the economic meltdown continues to push Venezuelan migrants across the country's borders. "The dictatorship has underestimated the Venezuelan people. They have not been able to make us grow accustomed to living in misery," Guaido tweeted on Friday night. Masked men on Friday forced their way into the offices of opposition party Popular Will, to which Guaido belongs. Opposition leaders called the incident an intimidation effort in the run-up to the demonstrations. The opposition has been inspired by the resignation of Bolivian President Evo Morales, a Maduro ally who was accused of manipulating the results of an election in October but later resigned after the violent street protest. But the change in Venezuela continues to hinge on a shift in the allegiance of the armed forces, which remain loyal to Maduro and the ruling Socialist Party. That contrasts with Bolivia's military leaders, who urged Morales to step down. Demonstrators in cities around the country plan to stage rallies during the morning and are expected to hold marches in the afternoon. The Caracas metro, the capital's principal form of public transport, said it was closing a group of stations in the area of the protests for maintenance. Critics said it was an attempt to weaken the demonstrations. The Socialist party has called a separate rally in Caracas in support of Bolivia's Morales. Venezuela has for years suffered under hyperinflation and a collapsing economy, spurring an exodus of more than 4 million seeking better access to food and medicine. More than 50 countries have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president and the United States has implemented a sanctions program that has crippled Venezuela's oil exports. Maduro dismisses Guaido as a puppet of the United States, and blames the economic problems on U.S. sanctions.

Venezuela opposition rallies to revive stalled effort to oust Maduro

Five people were killed in violent clashes between the protesters and security forces on Friday in Bolivia.

AFP reported that the five people were the supporters of former president Evo Morales who is on an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-to-be-granted-asylum-his-life-at-risk-in-bolivia-mexico-261494">exile in Mexico</a>. The death toll was so far not declared by the authorities, although 100 people are detained in the riots outside Cochabamba.

Bolivia's interim leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-interim-president-rules-out-morales-election-bid-262276">Jeanine Anez </a>said that the exiled leader will need to "answer to justice" if he returns to the country. "He knows he has to answer to justice. There is electoral crime. There are many allegations of corruption in his government," the interim leader told reporters in La Paz.

Morales said that he is willing to return in order to bring peace in the country.&nbsp;

On Friday, clashes broke out between coca growers and security officials in Cochabamba after the former intended to reach city centre 18 kilometres away to join a protest against interim chief Jeanine Anez. The police did not allow the demonstrators to reach the protest site.&nbsp;

Cochabamba police commander Colonel Jamie Zurita said that the protesters carried "weapons, guns, Molotov cocktails, homemade bazookas and explosive devices". He also added that protesters were carrying dynamite and other "deadly weapons" which made the police took this action. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Riot police and the army ensured that the crowd was dispersed late in the evening.&nbsp;

"This is a real massacre, it is a genocide, I deplore all these deaths," Evo Morales told CNN.

Earlier on Friday, the interim leader announced that Morales will not contest in the new election as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the former president and socialist icon and against Anez. Anez said that Morales will not contest his fourth term. Bolivia's constitution limits a president for two successive terms. The protesters claimed that Morales' departure was not a resgination but a product of coup.

Bolivia is in the middle of unrest since October 20 when election results were announced and Morales was accused of rigging the elections in order to stay in power.

At least 15 people have already died and over 400 are injured in the protests. Schools and universities are closed due to the massive demonstrations.&nbsp;

Anez declared herself as the leader of the country on Tuesday after Morales fled to Mexico claiming the threat to his life. Bolivia's top court validated Anez's move. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">United States</a>, Russia, Guatemala and Colombia recognize Anez as interim leader but Moscow claims&nbsp;that Morales was a victim of a coup.

 
&nbsp;

Five people were killed in violent clashes between the protesters and security forces on Friday in Bolivia. AFP reported that the five people were the supporters of former president Evo Morales who is on an exile in Mexico.

Five people were killed in violent clashes between the protesters and security forces on Friday in Bolivia. AFP reported that the five people were the supporters of former president Evo Morales who is on an exile in Mexico. The death toll was so far not declared by the authorities, although 100 people are detained in the riots outside Cochabamba. Bolivia's interim leader Jeanine Anez said that the exiled leader will need to "answer to justice" if he returns to the country. "He knows he has to answer to justice. There is electoral crime. There are many allegations of corruption in his government," the interim leader told reporters in La Paz. Morales said that he is willing to return in order to bring peace in the country. On Friday, clashes broke out between coca growers and security officials in Cochabamba after the former intended to reach city centre 18 kilometres away to join a protest against interim chief Jeanine Anez. The police did not allow the demonstrators to reach the protest site. Cochabamba police commander Colonel Jamie Zurita said that the protesters carried "weapons, guns, Molotov cocktails, homemade bazookas and explosive devices". He also added that protesters were carrying dynamite and other "deadly weapons" which made the police took this action. Riot police and the army ensured that the crowd was dispersed late in the evening. "This is a real massacre, it is a genocide, I deplore all these deaths," Evo Morales told CNN. Earlier on Friday, the interim leader announced that Morales will not contest in the new election as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the former president and socialist icon and against Anez. Anez said that Morales will not contest his fourth term. Bolivia's constitution limits a president for two successive terms. The protesters claimed that Morales' departure was not a resgination but a product of coup. Bolivia is in the middle of unrest since October 20 when election results were announced and Morales was accused of rigging the elections in order to stay in power. At least 15 people have already died and over 400 are injured in the protests. Schools and universities are closed due to the massive demonstrations. Anez declared herself as the leader of the country on Tuesday after Morales fled to Mexico claiming the threat to his life. Bolivia's top court validated Anez's move. The United States, Russia, Guatemala and Colombia recognize Anez as interim leader but Moscow claims that Morales was a victim of a coup.

Five supporters of exiled leader Morales killed in clashes in Bolivia

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The Trump administration today <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-bolivian-leader-seeks-quick-vote-foes-plan-disruptions-261889">recognised Jeanine Anez</a>, 52, as Bolivia's interim president after ex-president Evo Morales began his life in exile in Mexico.

"The United States applauds Bolivian Senator Jeanine Anez for stepping up as Interim President of State to lead her nation through this democratic transition, under the constitution of Bolivia," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

In Mexico on his first day in exile,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-mexico-morales-pledges-to-remain-in-politics-as-bolivia-battles-to-restore-stability-261704"> Evo Morales in a press conference</a> said he was ready to return to &nbsp;"pacify" the country even as police clashed with pro-Morales supporters in Bolivia.

Deputy Senate Speaker Anez had earlier moved to proclaim herself as the interim president amid turmoil in the country - a move which was backed by Bolivia's Constitutional Court.

Anez promised to hold elections in the "shortest possible time" while naming a cabinet.

"There is no coup in Bolivia. There is a constitutional replacement," Anes asserted, adding, "the only coup d'Etat in this country has been by Evo Morales."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jeanine-anez-declares-herself-bolivia-interim-president-261741/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Morales speaking in Mexico said that the &nbsp;Organization of American States (OAS) is "in the service of the North American empire", referring to the US.

"The OAS took a political decision, not a technical or legal one, the OAS is in the service of the North American empire," Morales declared.

"We're going to return, sooner or later. The sooner the better, to pacify Bolivia," he added.

Bolivia's has seen weeks of political turmoil after the controversial October 20 election in which Morales was declared the winner. The OAS in an audit had said it had evidence of vote count manipulation as the Opposition rejected the elections.

As political uncertainty spread post-elections, Bolivians clashed with police in La Paz almost everyday leaving at least ten people dead.

"We are doing everything possible to bring everything back to normal," police chief, General Yuri Calderon said as authorities struggle to bring the situation under control post-Morales.

The Trump administration today recognised Jeanine Anez, 52, as Bolivia's interim president after ex-president Evo Morales began his life in exile in Mexico. "The United States applauds Bolivian Senator Jeanine Anez for stepping up as Interim President of State to lead her nation through this democratic transition, under the constitution of Bolivia," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

The Trump administration today recognised Jeanine Anez, 52, as Bolivia's interim president after ex-president Evo Morales began his life in exile in Mexico. "The United States applauds Bolivian Senator Jeanine Anez for stepping up as Interim President of State to lead her nation through this democratic transition, under the constitution of Bolivia," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. In Mexico on his first day in exile, Evo Morales in a press conference said he was ready to return to "pacify" the country even as police clashed with pro-Morales supporters in Bolivia. Deputy Senate Speaker Anez had earlier moved to proclaim herself as the interim president amid turmoil in the country - a move which was backed by Bolivia's Constitutional Court. Anez promised to hold elections in the "shortest possible time" while naming a cabinet. "There is no coup in Bolivia. There is a constitutional replacement," Anes asserted, adding, "the only coup d'Etat in this country has been by Evo Morales." Watch Video: Meanwhile, Morales speaking in Mexico said that the Organization of American States (OAS) is "in the service of the North American empire", referring to the US. "The OAS took a political decision, not a technical or legal one, the OAS is in the service of the North American empire," Morales declared. "We're going to return, sooner or later. The sooner the better, to pacify Bolivia," he added. Bolivia's has seen weeks of political turmoil after the controversial October 20 election in which Morales was declared the winner. The OAS in an audit had said it had evidence of vote count manipulation as the Opposition rejected the elections. As political uncertainty spread post-elections, Bolivians clashed with police in La Paz almost everyday leaving at least ten people dead. "We are doing everything possible to bring everything back to normal," police chief, General Yuri Calderon said as authorities struggle to bring the situation under control post-Morales.

US recognises Jeanine Anez as Bolivia's interim president

As Bolivia's ex-president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-seeks-new-leader-as-morales-heads-for-mexico-refuge-261644">Evo Morales began his life</a> in exile in Mexico pledging to "remain in politics" and continue his "fight", the US State Department asked its citizens not to travel to the South American country amid large scale violence.

"As long as I am alive, we will remain in politics. As long as I am alive, the fight continues," Morales told reporters as soon as he got off the plane in Mexico. He was whisked away by Mexican officials to an undisclosed place citing security concerns.

Paraguayan President Mario Abdo had earlier said his country was willing to grant political asylum to Morales.

In violence-ravaged Bolivia, deputy Senate Speaker Jeanine Anez who is in line to take over declared herself interim president even as lawmakers failed to reach a consensus over the country's leadership although reports said Constitutional Court had endorsed her appointment.

"We are emerging from one of the darkest episodes of our democratic history," Jeanine Anez said, adding,"I ask that from now on we join forces and our hands to help rebuild democracy and the rule of law."

"We want to call new elections as soon as possible," Anez said in Congress while adding that, "It's a commitment we have made to the country and of course, we will fulfil it."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bolivian-president-resigns-takes-asylum-in-mexico-261689/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Police set roadblocks to block political groups from clashing against each other even as the attorney general said seven people had died since violence had broken out after Morales was declared winner in a controversial election last month.

Four of those fatalities were from gunfire, Attorney General Juan Lanchipa said.

"All of these cases will be investigated until we establish the truth and find out who is responsible so they can be punished under the law," Lanchipa asserted.

Meanwhile, the US State Department told its citizens not to travel to Bolivia due to the unrest.

"Do not travel to Bolivia due to civil unrest," the State Department said in its advisory while it decided to pullout "non-emergency US government employees due to ongoing political instability in Bolivia."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As Bolivia's ex-president Evo Morales began his life in exile in Mexico pledging to "remain in politics" and continue his "fight", the US State Department asked its citizens not to travel to the South American country amid large scale violence.

As Bolivia's ex-president Evo Morales began his life in exile in Mexico pledging to "remain in politics" and continue his "fight", the US State Department asked its citizens not to travel to the South American country amid large scale violence. "As long as I am alive, we will remain in politics. As long as I am alive, the fight continues," Morales told reporters as soon as he got off the plane in Mexico. He was whisked away by Mexican officials to an undisclosed place citing security concerns. Paraguayan President Mario Abdo had earlier said his country was willing to grant political asylum to Morales. In violence-ravaged Bolivia, deputy Senate Speaker Jeanine Anez who is in line to take over declared herself interim president even as lawmakers failed to reach a consensus over the country's leadership although reports said Constitutional Court had endorsed her appointment. "We are emerging from one of the darkest episodes of our democratic history," Jeanine Anez said, adding,"I ask that from now on we join forces and our hands to help rebuild democracy and the rule of law." "We want to call new elections as soon as possible," Anez said in Congress while adding that, "It's a commitment we have made to the country and of course, we will fulfil it." Watch Video: Police set roadblocks to block political groups from clashing against each other even as the attorney general said seven people had died since violence had broken out after Morales was declared winner in a controversial election last month. Four of those fatalities were from gunfire, Attorney General Juan Lanchipa said. "All of these cases will be investigated until we establish the truth and find out who is responsible so they can be punished under the law," Lanchipa asserted. Meanwhile, the US State Department told its citizens not to travel to Bolivia due to the unrest. "Do not travel to Bolivia due to civil unrest," the State Department said in its advisory while it decided to pullout "non-emergency US government employees due to ongoing political instability in Bolivia."

In Mexico, Morales pledges to 'remain in politics' as Bolivia battles to restore stability

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

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Bolivia unrest: Evo Morales departs for Mexico to seek political Asylum. Watch video to know more.

Bolivia unrest: Evo Morales departs for Mexico to seek political Asylum

Bolivian President Evo Morales resigns. Watch video to know more.

Bolivian President Evo Morales resigns

Bolivian President Evo Morales said on Sunday he would resign after the military called on him to step down and allies deserted him following weeks of protests over a disputed election that has roiled the South American nation.

Bolivian President Evo Morales said on Sunday he would resign after the military called on him to step down and allies deserted him following weeks of protests over a disputed election that has roiled the South American nation. Morales, in power for nearly 14 years, said in televised comments that he would submit his resignation letter to help restore stability, though he aimed barbs at what he called a "civic coup." "I am resigning, sending my letter of resignation to the Legislative Assembly," Morales said, adding that it was his "obligation as indigenous president and president of all Bolivians to seek peace." He later tweeted, "I want the Bolivian people to know that I have no reason to escape, they should prove if I'm stealing something." Vice President Álvaro García Linera also resigned. The departure of Morales, a leftist icon and the last survivor of Latin America's "pink tide" of two decades ago, is likely to send shockwaves across the region at a time when left-leaning leaders have returned to power in Mexico and Argentina. Some of Morales' leftist allies in Latin America decried the turn of events as a "coup," including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Argentine President-elect Alberto Fernandez. Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said his country would offer Morales asylum if he sought it. Bolivia under Morales had one of the region's strongest economic growth rates and its poverty rate was cut in half, though his determination to cling to power and seek a fourth term alienated many allies, even among indigenous communities. Pressure had been ramping up on Morales since he was declared the winner of an Oct. 20 election. General Williams Kaliman, the head of Bolivia's armed forces, earlier on Sunday said the military had asked Morales to step down to help restore peace and stability after weeks of protests over the vote. Kaliman added that the military was calling on the Bolivian people to refrain from violence and disorder. Earlier on Sunday, Morales had agreed to hold new elections after a report from the Organisation of American States (OAS), which conducted an audit of the Oct. 20 vote, revealed serious irregularities in the election. The OAS report said that vote should be annulled after it had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system that called into question Morales' win, with a lead of just over 10 points over main rival Carlos Mesa. 'Today we won a battle' The resignations of Morales and his vice president meant it was not initially clear who would take the helm of the country pending the results of new elections. According to Bolivian law, in the absence of the president and vice president, the head of the Senate would normally take over provisionally. However, Senate President Adriana Salvatierra also stepped down late on Sunday. Legislators were expected to meet to agree on an interim commission or legislator who would have temporary administrative control of the country, according to a constitutional lawyer who spoke to Reuters. Morales, speaking at an earlier news conference, had tried to placate critics saying he would replace the electoral tribunal for the new vote, though his opponents - already angry that he ran in defiance of term limits - were not assuaged. The election standoff has dented the image of Morales - who has helmed Bolivia through a period of relative stability and economic growth - and hit the landlocked nation's economy. His "legacy will be compromised and the region will suffer another impact with consequences well beyond Bolivia," said Juan Cruz Diaz, managing director of risk advisory Cefeidas Group, referring to Argentina, Chile, Peru, Paraguay and Brazil. Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz who has become a symbol of the opposition, said the OAS report on Sunday clearly demonstrated election fraud. He had reiterated his call for Morales to resign. "Today we won a battle," Camacho told a crowd of cheering supporters in the capital before Morales' resignation, though he added more time was needed to repair the constitutional order and democracy. "Only when we can be sure that democracy is solid, then will we go back home." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had also welcomed the call for a new vote to "ensure free and fair elections." Morales allies fall As the fall-out from the audit report swept across Bolivia, Morales' support crumbled on Sunday. Several of his allies resigned, including Mining Minister Cesar Navarro and Chamber of Deputies President Victor Borda, who belongs to Morales' party. They both cited fear for the safety of their families as the reason for stepping down. Juan Carlos Huarachi, leader of the Bolivian Workers' Centre, a powerful pro-government union, said Morales should stand down if that would help end recent violence. In recent days police forces were also seen joining anti-government protests, while the military said it would not "confront the people" over the issue. The attorney general's office also announced it had ordered an investigation with the aim of prosecuting the members of the electoral body and others responsible for the irregularities. Mesa had also said Morales and his vice president should not preside over the electoral process or be candidates. Morales, who came to power in 2006 as Bolivia's first indigenous leader, had defended his election win but said he would adhere to the findings of the OAS audit. "The manipulations to the computer systems are of such magnitude that they must be deeply investigated by the Bolivian State to get to the bottom of and assign responsibility in this serious case," the preliminary OAS report had said. Voting in a new election should take place as soon as conditions are in place to guarantee it being able to go ahead, including a newly composed electoral body, the OAS said. The OAS added that it was statistically unlikely that Morales had secured the 10-percentage-point margin of victory needed to win outright.

Bolivian President Morales resigns after protests over disputed October vote

Opposition demonstrators in Bolivia overran two state-run media outlets and forced them off the air Saturday and some police stopped guarding the square where President Evo Morales' palace is located, as tensions remained high after a disputed election.

Demonstrators burst into the offices of Bolivia TV and Radio Patria Nueva and forced employees to leave, accusing them of serving the interests of Morales, said the director of the latter of the two, Ivan Maldonado.

"We were evicted by force after receiving constant threats from people gathered outside," Maldonado told AFP.

Some 40 employees were seen leaving the building that the two news organisations share in La Paz, walking hand in hand as a crowd of some 300 demonstrators yelled insults. Afterwards, both outlets broadcast only music.

It was the latest thrust of a movement protesting alleged vote-counting fraud in the election last month that gave Morales a fourth straight term.

Morales denounced the seizure of the media outlets. "They say they defend democracy, but they behave as if they were in a dictatorship," he tweeted.

A radio station run by a farmers' union was also seized by protesters, Morales said.

He called earlier in the day for urgent, open-ended dialogue with opposition parties holding seats in the National Assembly, but he pointedly excluded the powerful regional civic committees opposing him.

An opposition leader, former president Carlos Mesa, immediately rejected Morales's gesture, saying, "We have nothing to negotiate with Evo Morales and his government."

A police rebellion erupted Friday among an elite tactical operations unit called UTOP in the central city of Cochabamba. It then spread to units in Sucre, the constitutional capital, and Santa Cruz, a bastion of opposition strength in the east.

During the night the rebellion reached other cities but mostly spared La Paz, the country's administrative capital, local media reported.

But in a worrying sign for the Morales government, the UTOP officers in La Paz who for weeks have closely guarded the central Plaza Murillo -- where the presidential palace is located -- withdrew to their quarters Saturday in evident solidarity with the protests, an AFP reporter observed.

The sector remained guarded only by a small number of officers.

Opposition groups have branded the election result a fraud and demanded Morales's resignation. Three people have died so far and hundreds injured in unrest triggered by the protests.

The leftist president, Bolivia's first from the indigenous population, assailed the police action. Morales said Friday on Twitter that "our democracy is at risk from a coup d'etat launched by violent groups undermining the constitutional order."

Opposition leaders urged the military to follow in the footsteps of the rebellious police.

Defense Minister Javier Zavaleta said there was no plan to send troops to subdue the police.

A call to 'defend' Morales

The governing Movement for Socialism called on party supporters to come to La Paz to "defend" the results of the vote that kept Morales in power for an unprecedented fourth term.

Buses carrying opposition activists to La Paz came under attack Saturday by Morales supporters in rural Vila Vila, about 100 miles (160 kilometres) southeast of La Paz, an opposition leader, Rodrigo Echalar, said on television.&nbsp;

Up to now, the streets of La Paz have mainly been occupied by anti-government protesters, but on Friday night some of them marched side-by-side with the policemen who had earlier put down their protests.&nbsp;

An AFP reporter witnessed dozens of police marching alongside opposition activists in central La Paz, shouting anti-Morales slogans.

- Calls to the troops - 
Mesa, who came in second in the October 20 election, joined former presidents Jaime Paz Zamora and Jorge Quiroga in urging the military not to put down the protests.

Quiroga reminded the troops that five former military chiefs remain in prison over the deaths in 2003 of anti-government protesters.&nbsp;

In La Paz, dozens of protesters marched to the Military College to urge the troops to join the push for Morales's resignation.

In some neighbourhoods, people celebrated the police rebellion as if Bolivia had won an important soccer match.

Morales has insisted that the October elections were fair and transparent.&nbsp;

The Organization of American States is auditing the results.

Opposition demonstrators in Bolivia overran two state-run media outlets and forced them off the air Saturday and some police stopped guarding the square where President Evo Morales' palace is located, as tensions remained high after a disputed election.

Opposition demonstrators in Bolivia overran two state-run media outlets and forced them off the air Saturday and some police stopped guarding the square where President Evo Morales' palace is located, as tensions remained high after a disputed election. Demonstrators burst into the offices of Bolivia TV and Radio Patria Nueva and forced employees to leave, accusing them of serving the interests of Morales, said the director of the latter of the two, Ivan Maldonado. "We were evicted by force after receiving constant threats from people gathered outside," Maldonado told AFP. Some 40 employees were seen leaving the building that the two news organisations share in La Paz, walking hand in hand as a crowd of some 300 demonstrators yelled insults. Afterwards, both outlets broadcast only music. It was the latest thrust of a movement protesting alleged vote-counting fraud in the election last month that gave Morales a fourth straight term. Morales denounced the seizure of the media outlets. "They say they defend democracy, but they behave as if they were in a dictatorship," he tweeted. A radio station run by a farmers' union was also seized by protesters, Morales said. He called earlier in the day for urgent, open-ended dialogue with opposition parties holding seats in the National Assembly, but he pointedly excluded the powerful regional civic committees opposing him. An opposition leader, former president Carlos Mesa, immediately rejected Morales's gesture, saying, "We have nothing to negotiate with Evo Morales and his government." A police rebellion erupted Friday among an elite tactical operations unit called UTOP in the central city of Cochabamba. It then spread to units in Sucre, the constitutional capital, and Santa Cruz, a bastion of opposition strength in the east. During the night the rebellion reached other cities but mostly spared La Paz, the country's administrative capital, local media reported. But in a worrying sign for the Morales government, the UTOP officers in La Paz who for weeks have closely guarded the central Plaza Murillo -- where the presidential palace is located -- withdrew to their quarters Saturday in evident solidarity with the protests, an AFP reporter observed. The sector remained guarded only by a small number of officers. Opposition groups have branded the election result a fraud and demanded Morales's resignation. Three people have died so far and hundreds injured in unrest triggered by the protests. The leftist president, Bolivia's first from the indigenous population, assailed the police action. Morales said Friday on Twitter that "our democracy is at risk from a coup d'etat launched by violent groups undermining the constitutional order." Opposition leaders urged the military to follow in the footsteps of the rebellious police. Defense Minister Javier Zavaleta said there was no plan to send troops to subdue the police. A call to 'defend' Morales The governing Movement for Socialism called on party supporters to come to La Paz to "defend" the results of the vote that kept Morales in power for an unprecedented fourth term. Buses carrying opposition activists to La Paz came under attack Saturday by Morales supporters in rural Vila Vila, about 100 miles (160 kilometres) southeast of La Paz, an opposition leader, Rodrigo Echalar, said on television. Up to now, the streets of La Paz have mainly been occupied by anti-government protesters, but on Friday night some of them marched side-by-side with the policemen who had earlier put down their protests. An AFP reporter witnessed dozens of police marching alongside opposition activists in central La Paz, shouting anti-Morales slogans. - Calls to the troops - Mesa, who came in second in the October 20 election, joined former presidents Jaime Paz Zamora and Jorge Quiroga in urging the military not to put down the protests. Quiroga reminded the troops that five former military chiefs remain in prison over the deaths in 2003 of anti-government protesters. In La Paz, dozens of protesters marched to the Military College to urge the troops to join the push for Morales's resignation. In some neighbourhoods, people celebrated the police rebellion as if Bolivia had won an important soccer match. Morales has insisted that the October elections were fair and transparent. The Organization of American States is auditing the results.

Protesters seize state-run media in Bolivia as tensions soar

A city mayor aligned to President Evo Morales was reportedly attacked with red paint and forced out of her town hall on Wednesday (November 6) amidst election unrest in the country.

Violence in Bolivia: Mayor attacked during protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/violence-in-bolivia-bolivia-mayor-attacked-during-protests-260680">Street&nbsp;clashes</a> broke out on Thursday among supporters and opponents of Bolivia's government armed with&nbsp;slingshots&nbsp;and&nbsp;dynamite&nbsp;as an opposition leader planned a march to pressure President Evo Morales to resign after disputed&nbsp;elections last month.

Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz who has become an icon of the opposition, appeared at rallies in the city earlier in the day calling for Morales to step down.

He plans to deliver a pre-written resignation letter for the leftist leader to sign, a symbolic move that has sparked an angry response from pro-government supporters and hardened the resolve of a split opposition.

"We will deliver this letter in unity. This letter is not from Santa Cruz; it is from all Bolivia and it will be approved by all&nbsp;Bolivians, because we all want to build a country with democracy and freedom," Camacho said at a rally.

It was not clear when Camacho would deliver the letter, though the government played down its significance on Thursday, saying it would be received as any other petition.

The government also slammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/violent-protests-erupt-in-bolivia-against-evo-morales-260563">"shameful" violence </a>that led to scores being injured and one killed on Wednesday, blaming the&nbsp;clashes on the opposition as anger rose on both sides. A total of three people have died in the weeks-long protests.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of La Paz on Thursday night as&nbsp;clashes broke out.

Images and television footage from Wednesday showed groups&nbsp;clashing around the country, with particular violence in the cities of Cochabamba and La Paz. A young man was confirmed killed, while images of a local mayor having her hair forcibly cut and being covered in red paint by anti-government supporters circulated widely.

Morales, whose October&nbsp;election&nbsp;win was marred by allegations of fraud after an abrupt halt in the vote count and an unusual swing in the leftist leader's favor, again blamed the opposition for unrest as he addressed supporters in the rural area of Cochabamba.

In a press conference on Thursday, Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera called on opposition leaders Carlos Mesa and Camacho to help stop the violence and heed an ongoing audit of the vote by the Organization of American States (OAS).

Government critics, however, pointed the finger at supporters of Morales.

Mesa, the runner-up in the October&nbsp;20 vote, who has been calling for Morales to step down, said on Twitter that a young man who died on Wednesday had been "murdered" by Morales supporters and blamed the government for stoking the violence.

Street clashes broke out on Thursday among supporters and opponents of Bolivia's government armed with slingshots and dynamite as an opposition leader planned a march to pressure President Evo Morales to resign after disputed elections last month.

Street clashes broke out on Thursday among supporters and opponents of Bolivia's government armed with slingshots and dynamite as an opposition leader planned a march to pressure President Evo Morales to resign after disputed elections last month. Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz who has become an icon of the opposition, appeared at rallies in the city earlier in the day calling for Morales to step down. He plans to deliver a pre-written resignation letter for the leftist leader to sign, a symbolic move that has sparked an angry response from pro-government supporters and hardened the resolve of a split opposition. "We will deliver this letter in unity. This letter is not from Santa Cruz; it is from all Bolivia and it will be approved by all Bolivians, because we all want to build a country with democracy and freedom," Camacho said at a rally. It was not clear when Camacho would deliver the letter, though the government played down its significance on Thursday, saying it would be received as any other petition. The government also slammed "shameful" violence that led to scores being injured and one killed on Wednesday, blaming the clashes on the opposition as anger rose on both sides. A total of three people have died in the weeks-long protests. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of La Paz on Thursday night as clashes broke out. Images and television footage from Wednesday showed groups clashing around the country, with particular violence in the cities of Cochabamba and La Paz. A young man was confirmed killed, while images of a local mayor having her hair forcibly cut and being covered in red paint by anti-government supporters circulated widely. Morales, whose October election win was marred by allegations of fraud after an abrupt halt in the vote count and an unusual swing in the leftist leader's favor, again blamed the opposition for unrest as he addressed supporters in the rural area of Cochabamba. In a press conference on Thursday, Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera called on opposition leaders Carlos Mesa and Camacho to help stop the violence and heed an ongoing audit of the vote by the Organization of American States (OAS). Government critics, however, pointed the finger at supporters of Morales. Mesa, the runner-up in the October 20 vote, who has been calling for Morales to step down, said on Twitter that a young man who died on Wednesday had been "murdered" by Morales supporters and blamed the government for stoking the violence.

Slingshots and dynamite as Bolivians clash over election

Protests continue against President Evo Morales. To know more watch the video

Violent Protests erupt in Bolivia against Evo Morales

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

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

Political turmoil deepening in Bolivia. The protests are happening over alleged electoral fraud. The Incumbent President of Bolivia Evo Morales claims victory in the elections. Watch this video to know more.

Political turmoil deepening in Bolivia, protests over alleged electoral fraud

Protesters poured on to the streets on Wednesday (October 23) in Bolivia's capital La Paz as anger continues to mount over election results.

"We live in a democratic country, not a dictatorship," says Bolivian protester

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

Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Bolivia's largest city, turning up heat on President Evo Morales as they voiced outrage over his government's response to wildfires that have razed broad swaths of the country's forests this year.

Protesters in the wealthy, industrial city of Santa Cruz brandished placards at the demonstration late on Friday calling for a "punishment vote" against Morales in the upcoming October&nbsp;20 presidential election.

Tightening polls show Morales, Latin America's longest-serving leftist leader, may be forced into a second-round runoff with his chief rival, Carlos Mesa, a business-friendly former president.

For weeks, opposition candidates and protesters have called on Morales to declare this year's surge in wildfires, which have already scorched an area larger than Costa Rica, a national disaster to help facilitate international aid.

Morales' government has said a disaster declaration could invite foreign meddling in a sovereign issue, echoing concerns voiced by neighbouring Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who has sparked a global outcry over his handling of fires in the Brazilian Amazon.

Santa Cruz, where organizers said as many as 1.5 million people joined in Friday's protest, is home to vast tracts of Bolivia's biodiverse Chiquitano dry forests. They are named for the indigenous people who have inhabited them for hundreds of years.

Protesters say a disaster declaration by Bolivia would remove bureaucratic barriers to the help needed from abroad to contain fires in the impoverished South American country.

Authorities did not give an official estimate of the number of protesters on Friday, but a local reporter working with Reuters said about 350,000 people marched through the city.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Bolivia's largest city, turning up heat on President Evo Morales as they voiced outrage over his government's response to wildfires that have razed broad swaths of the country's forests this year.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Bolivia's largest city, turning up heat on President Evo Morales as they voiced outrage over his government's response to wildfires that have razed broad swaths of the country's forests this year. Protesters in the wealthy, industrial city of Santa Cruz brandished placards at the demonstration late on Friday calling for a "punishment vote" against Morales in the upcoming October 20 presidential election. Tightening polls show Morales, Latin America's longest-serving leftist leader, may be forced into a second-round runoff with his chief rival, Carlos Mesa, a business-friendly former president. For weeks, opposition candidates and protesters have called on Morales to declare this year's surge in wildfires, which have already scorched an area larger than Costa Rica, a national disaster to help facilitate international aid. Morales' government has said a disaster declaration could invite foreign meddling in a sovereign issue, echoing concerns voiced by neighbouring Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who has sparked a global outcry over his handling of fires in the Brazilian Amazon. Santa Cruz, where organizers said as many as 1.5 million people joined in Friday's protest, is home to vast tracts of Bolivia's biodiverse Chiquitano dry forests. They are named for the indigenous people who have inhabited them for hundreds of years. Protesters say a disaster declaration by Bolivia would remove bureaucratic barriers to the help needed from abroad to contain fires in the impoverished South American country. Authorities did not give an official estimate of the number of protesters on Friday, but a local reporter working with Reuters said about 350,000 people marched through the city.

Hundreds of thousands voice outrage over Bolivian leader's response to forest fires

Bolivian protesters took to the streets of the country's largest city on Thursday (September 12) ransacking offices of the political party of Bolivian president Evo Morales as a controversial poll showed weakening support for the leader of the Andean country prior to general elections on October 20.

Police clash with protesters on streets of Bolivia

The Amazon's Amahuaca people braved marauding rubber tappers a century ago and now face a new threat to their survival as gold mines and oil wells increasingly encircle their jungle home.

They and other indigenous communities have gone to court to protect their rainforest habitat and keep mining and oil projects off their lands.

But activists here fear legal constraints will only delay defeat in their long conflict with miners.

In June, Amahuaca villagers in Boca Pariamanu, in the heart of the Peruvian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/in-brazils-rainforests-the-worst-fires-are-likely-still-to-come-248685">Amazon </a>basin region, celebrated a rare legal victory. A court recognized their claim to more than 4,000 hectares (9,884 acres) of the rainforest, after years of conflict with Chesnut producers.

Title deeds to the land are key in a wider battle over Amazon resources, said community leader Julio Rolin.

"We need to be able to monitor the land and not be invaded by mining, by illegal logging or invasions by settlers," Rolin told AFP.

The Amahuaca is one of 38 indigenous communities scattered throughout the Madre de Dios river basin, seen as the epicentre of illegal mining in Peru the world's fifth-largest gold producer.

Indigenous umbrella organization Fenamed warns of a wider threat.

Despite the Amahauca's landmark legal victory, the state has altogether granted mining concessions on land occupied by 11 of the 38 local communities.

Under Peruvian law, the state retains the rights to the subsoil of indigenous land, so the government retains the right to grant exploration licenses.

"We demand that rights not be granted to third parties in the territories of indigenous peoples," Fenamed president Julio Cusurichi said.

Boca Pariamanu is accessible only by dugout canoe, two hours from regional capital Puerto Maldonado, and much of the illegal mining here take place without fear of censure.

"Mines contaminate the water, there are no more fish. And it destroys the forest," says Adela Ajahuana, a 23-year old indigenous Arazaire woman.

She fears it is only a matter of time before the mines destroy her own community.

Mud craters&nbsp;

Across the brown Pariamanu river, deforestation has gouged out vast areas of rainforest, with mud craters left behind by prospecting miners.

Mechanical diggers and gold dredgers rumble constantly in the distance.

The government has cracked down on illegal mining high up in the Andes, sending troops to dismantle the wildcat mining town of La Pampa a mountain outpost that mushroomed in 2008 at the height of the global economic crisis when the demand for gold was at its highest.

But the move failed to reassure local Amazon communities.

"There were 30,000 people living there. Where will they go? They will go to other parts of the indigenous territories," said Cusurichi.

State pressure in Bolivia

Across the border in the Bolivian Amazon area of Tacana II, a surge of state-supported oil exploration has alarmed locals.

"Our fear is that this is going to destroy our forest," said Juana Ramirez, a young woman from Las Mercedes, one of Tacana II's four scattered villages that are only accessible by boat.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-countries-meet-to-bolster-rainforest-protection-248160">Evo Morales</a>, who is seeking a fourth term next month, is supporting a mining project that will extract 50 million barrels of oil, as well as large quantities of natural gas.

"We could have said no to it, but there are very strong pressure from the state, very strong threats," said Ronaldo Justiniano, head of the territory.

Prospecting began in 2018, after three years of tough negotiations between the Tacanas and the national oil company YPFB.

Tacana II got nearly 500,000 dollars to compensate for environmental damage caused by the prospecting, or $500 per thousand inhabitants.

But the money "is no compensation for the wealth we have on our territory," said Justiniano, visibly concerned over what may unfold here.

For now, he says his community is relieved to have managed to protect its chestnut trees, which reach a height of 50 meters (160 feet).

Chesnut gathering is an important source of income for the tribe between January and April.

The Amazon's Amahuaca people braved marauding rubber tappers a century ago and now face a new threat to their survival as gold mines and oil wells increasingly encircle their jungle home.

The Amazon's Amahuaca people braved marauding rubber tappers a century ago and now face a new threat to their survival as gold mines and oil wells increasingly encircle their jungle home. They and other indigenous communities have gone to court to protect their rainforest habitat and keep mining and oil projects off their lands. But activists here fear legal constraints will only delay defeat in their long conflict with miners. In June, Amahuaca villagers in Boca Pariamanu, in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon basin region, celebrated a rare legal victory. A court recognized their claim to more than 4,000 hectares (9,884 acres) of the rainforest, after years of conflict with Chesnut producers. Title deeds to the land are key in a wider battle over Amazon resources, said community leader Julio Rolin. "We need to be able to monitor the land and not be invaded by mining, by illegal logging or invasions by settlers," Rolin told AFP. The Amahuaca is one of 38 indigenous communities scattered throughout the Madre de Dios river basin, seen as the epicentre of illegal mining in Peru the world's fifth-largest gold producer. Indigenous umbrella organization Fenamed warns of a wider threat. Despite the Amahauca's landmark legal victory, the state has altogether granted mining concessions on land occupied by 11 of the 38 local communities. Under Peruvian law, the state retains the rights to the subsoil of indigenous land, so the government retains the right to grant exploration licenses. "We demand that rights not be granted to third parties in the territories of indigenous peoples," Fenamed president Julio Cusurichi said. Boca Pariamanu is accessible only by dugout canoe, two hours from regional capital Puerto Maldonado, and much of the illegal mining here take place without fear of censure. "Mines contaminate the water, there are no more fish. And it destroys the forest," says Adela Ajahuana, a 23-year old indigenous Arazaire woman. She fears it is only a matter of time before the mines destroy her own community. Mud craters Across the brown Pariamanu river, deforestation has gouged out vast areas of rainforest, with mud craters left behind by prospecting miners. Mechanical diggers and gold dredgers rumble constantly in the distance. The government has cracked down on illegal mining high up in the Andes, sending troops to dismantle the wildcat mining town of La Pampa a mountain outpost that mushroomed in 2008 at the height of the global economic crisis when the demand for gold was at its highest. But the move failed to reassure local Amazon communities. "There were 30,000 people living there. Where will they go? They will go to other parts of the indigenous territories," said Cusurichi. State pressure in Bolivia Across the border in the Bolivian Amazon area of Tacana II, a surge of state-supported oil exploration has alarmed locals. "Our fear is that this is going to destroy our forest," said Juana Ramirez, a young woman from Las Mercedes, one of Tacana II's four scattered villages that are only accessible by boat. President Evo Morales, who is seeking a fourth term next month, is supporting a mining project that will extract 50 million barrels of oil, as well as large quantities of natural gas. "We could have said no to it, but there are very strong pressure from the state, very strong threats," said Ronaldo Justiniano, head of the territory. Prospecting began in 2018, after three years of tough negotiations between the Tacanas and the national oil company YPFB. Tacana II got nearly 500,000 dollars to compensate for environmental damage caused by the prospecting, or $500 per thousand inhabitants. But the money "is no compensation for the wealth we have on our territory," said Justiniano, visibly concerned over what may unfold here. For now, he says his community is relieved to have managed to protect its chestnut trees, which reach a height of 50 meters (160 feet). Chesnut gathering is an important source of income for the tribe between January and April.

Legal respite only temporary as Amazon indigenous battle miners

Wildfires raging in Bolivia's forests and grasslands since May have destroyed 1.7 million hectares (4.2 million acres), officials said Wednesday, amid an $11 million effort by the government to contain them.

Environmentalists blame laws enacted under leftist President Evo Morales, who has encouraged the burning of forest and pasture land to expand agricultural production, while the government attributes the blazes to dry weather and winds.

"Of the fires that have occurred, 41 per cent are in protected areas and 30 per cent are in forests," Cinthia Asin, environmental minister for the eastern region of Santa Cruz told the press, updating the amount of land burned to 1.7 million hectares.

Santa Cruz is the hardest hit of Bolivia's departments since the fires began in May and intensified in late August.

Much to environmentalists' chagrin, Bolivia's government recently authorized farmers to burn 20 hectares (almost 50 acres) instead of the usual five hectares (12 acres) -- which is believed to have contributed to thousands of wildfires.

Asin said that over the first days of September, 751 new fires blazed, mostly in forested areas, leading Santa Cruz officials to believe that humans had started the conflagrations to clear farmland.

Separately, the Bolivian government reported that it was continuing its land and air efforts to extinguish the fires.

Foreign Minister Diego Pary said that the executive branch had spent $11 million fighting the fires and had an additional $2 million at its disposal from international cooperation.

A SuperTanker Boeing 747 capable of carrying 75,000 litres (19,800 gallons), helicopters and some 4,000 firefighters, police and military personnel were all working to extinguish the flames.

Morales announced earlier Wednesday that he was expecting the arrival of three 16,000-liter capacity helicopters as well as a Russian plane with a 50,000-liter capacity.

Wildfires raging in Bolivia's forests and grasslands since May have destroyed 1.7 million hectares (4.2 million acres), officials said Wednesday, amid an $11 million effort by the government to contain them.

Wildfires raging in Bolivia's forests and grasslands since May have destroyed 1.7 million hectares (4.2 million acres), officials said Wednesday, amid an $11 million effort by the government to contain them. Environmentalists blame laws enacted under leftist President Evo Morales, who has encouraged the burning of forest and pasture land to expand agricultural production, while the government attributes the blazes to dry weather and winds. "Of the fires that have occurred, 41 per cent are in protected areas and 30 per cent are in forests," Cinthia Asin, environmental minister for the eastern region of Santa Cruz told the press, updating the amount of land burned to 1.7 million hectares. Santa Cruz is the hardest hit of Bolivia's departments since the fires began in May and intensified in late August. Much to environmentalists' chagrin, Bolivia's government recently authorized farmers to burn 20 hectares (almost 50 acres) instead of the usual five hectares (12 acres) -- which is believed to have contributed to thousands of wildfires. Asin said that over the first days of September, 751 new fires blazed, mostly in forested areas, leading Santa Cruz officials to believe that humans had started the conflagrations to clear farmland. Separately, the Bolivian government reported that it was continuing its land and air efforts to extinguish the fires. Foreign Minister Diego Pary said that the executive branch had spent $11 million fighting the fires and had an additional $2 million at its disposal from international cooperation. A SuperTanker Boeing 747 capable of carrying 75,000 litres (19,800 gallons), helicopters and some 4,000 firefighters, police and military personnel were all working to extinguish the flames. Morales announced earlier Wednesday that he was expecting the arrival of three 16,000-liter capacity helicopters as well as a Russian plane with a 50,000-liter capacity.

Bolivia has lost 1.7 million hectares to fire: Government

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