10 Nov 2019 | 09:17 PM UTC
Bolivia: President Evo Morales announces resignation November 10 /update 25
President Evo Morales announces his resignation on November 10 as political situation remains fluid; monitor developments and avoid all demonstrations
Event
On Sunday, November 10, Bolivian President Evo Morales announced his resignation following an audit by the Organization of American States (OAS) that found significant irregularities in the disputed October 20 election. Opposition leaders and Bolivia's military chief, General Williams Kaliman, publicly called for Morales to step down on Sunday.
The political situation in Bolivia remains fluid. Demonstrations are possible over the coming hours and days amid a heightened security presence.
Context
Tensions have been high in the country since the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Bolivia (TSE) halted its provisionary vote count on October 20 after 83 percent of the ballot was completed. Initial results indicated that President Evo Morales was short of securing the 10-percentage point lead needed to prevent a runoff election. However, on October 21, the TSE updated the count, indicating that President Evo Morales secured 47.08 percent of the vote against his primary rival Carlos Mesa, who received 35.51 percent, preventing a runoff. Political opposition supporters are accusing the TSE of manipulating the vote in favor of Morales.
Advice
Individuals in La Paz and across Bolivia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business in demonstration- and strike-affected areas, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
