Argentina: Evo Morales announces party meeting and demonstration in Buenos Aires January 19, 22 /update 1

Event

Former Bolivian President Evo Morales announced on Monday, December 30, that the leaders of his Movement for Socialism (MAS) party will convene in Buenos Aires on Sunday, January 19, to elect their candidates for the upcoming Bolivian presidential elections in May 2020. Specific details of the meeting, including a time or exact location, are unclear as of Tuesday, January 7. Morales confirmed on Tuesday that he is also organizing a demonstration in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, January 22, to coincide with the Plurinational State Foundation Day that is a public holiday in Bolivia. He did not immediately announce details regarding an exact meeting time or location.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near any demonstration.

Context

Former President Morales resigned on November 10 following weeks of protests organized by opposition political organizations. The national electoral body was accused of manipulating the results of the October 20 election in favor of Morales to prevent a runoff, sparking an escalation in demonstrations nationwide. More than 30 people have been killed in clashes with security forces or between rival political supporters. Interim government leaders have announced that fresh presidential elections will take place on Sunday, May 3.

Advice

Individuals in Buenos Aires, and in Argentina more generally, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.