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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mexican foreign minister announced on Monday that Bolivia's ex-president Evo Morales,60, would be granted asylum as the South American nation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-exit-in-bolivia-sparks-night-of-violence-leaves-a-political-vacuum-261397">faced continued violence</a>.

"Several minutes ago I received a phone call from (former) president Evo Morales in which he responded to our offer and verbally and formally requested political asylum in our country," Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said.

"The Mexican foreign ministry, after consulting Interior Minister Olga Sanchez Cordero, made the decision to grant him asylum... for humanitarian reasons," the Mexican foreign minister added.

Ebrard asserted that Morales's "life and physical integrity are at risk in Bolivia."

As events unfolded, Peru's foreign ministry said a "Mexican government plane" had been granted permission for overflight and to refuel and had departed for Bolivia at 6:30 pm (2330 MT).

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bolivian-president-evo-morales-resigns-261235/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As violence spread amid Morales exit, Bolivia's armed forces said it would conduct joint operations with the police to prevent violence.

Earlier, Bolivia's police chief in La Paz Colonel Jose Barrenechea had called on General Williams Kaliman to "intervene" saying the police had been "overrun" as thousands of pro-Morales supporters marched through the city even as Morales called on the opposition to "pacify the country".

"The military command of the armed forces has arranged for joint operations with the police to prevent bloodshed and fighting amongst the Bolivian family," General Williams Kaliman said in a televised address to the nation.

Morales had resigned amid controversy over election results and had called for another election even as Army commanders and the police asked Morales to step down. Morales resigned on November 10 in a televised address.

Meanwhile, Senator Jeanine Anez, 52, who is constitutionally in line to become the interim president pledged to call fresh elections. "We are going to call elections, an electoral process that reflects the will of all Bolivians," Anez said.

Mexican foreign minister announced on Monday that Bolivia's ex-president Evo Morales,60, would be granted asylum as the South American nation faced continued violence.

Mexican foreign minister announced on Monday that Bolivia's ex-president Evo Morales,60, would be granted asylum as the South American nation faced continued violence. "Several minutes ago I received a phone call from (former) president Evo Morales in which he responded to our offer and verbally and formally requested political asylum in our country," Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said. "The Mexican foreign ministry, after consulting Interior Minister Olga Sanchez Cordero, made the decision to grant him asylum... for humanitarian reasons," the Mexican foreign minister added. Ebrard asserted that Morales's "life and physical integrity are at risk in Bolivia." As events unfolded, Peru's foreign ministry said a "Mexican government plane" had been granted permission for overflight and to refuel and had departed for Bolivia at 6:30 pm (2330 MT). Watch Video: As violence spread amid Morales exit, Bolivia's armed forces said it would conduct joint operations with the police to prevent violence. Earlier, Bolivia's police chief in La Paz Colonel Jose Barrenechea had called on General Williams Kaliman to "intervene" saying the police had been "overrun" as thousands of pro-Morales supporters marched through the city even as Morales called on the opposition to "pacify the country". "The military command of the armed forces has arranged for joint operations with the police to prevent bloodshed and fighting amongst the Bolivian family," General Williams Kaliman said in a televised address to the nation. Morales had resigned amid controversy over election results and had called for another election even as Army commanders and the police asked Morales to step down. Morales resigned on November 10 in a televised address. Meanwhile, Senator Jeanine Anez, 52, who is constitutionally in line to become the interim president pledged to call fresh elections. "We are going to call elections, an electoral process that reflects the will of all Bolivians," Anez said.

Morales to be granted asylum, his life at risk in Bolivia: Mexico

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

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

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

Morales to be granted asylum, his life at risk in Bolivia: Mexico

Bolivian President Morales resigns after protests over disputed October vote