Bolivia’s President Evo Morales has announced his resignation. The embattled president made the announcement in a televised speech on Sunday, the 10th of November.
What Happened?
Morales has largely been criticised for overstaying his welcome and disrespecting Bolivia’s democracy and the October 20th Presidential election in which Morales claimed victory was marred by controversies.
After the election, the Bolivian opposition accused the electoral board of manipulating votes in favour of Morales. This led to demands for an election audit and another round of voting. The aftermath of the election led to violent protest and calls for Morales’ resignation.
In its preliminary report, the Organisation of American States (OAS) said that there were manipulations to the computer systems used in the election, and recommended that new elections be held under new electoral authorities. Morales had agreed to this.
The election crisis has its roots in protests triggered by Morales’ reelection bid. Morales, who is the country’s first indigenous president and one of the longest-serving heads of state in Latin America has served for nearly 14 years. In order to be able to contest in this election, a 2016 referendum, which would have prevented his bid for a fourth term, was overturned.
A Coup?
Joining opposition politicians and protesters to call for Morales’ resignation is army chief General Williams Kaliman who, on Sunday night, urged him to step down in order “to allow for pacification and the maintaining of stability” in the country.
Morales claimed that the opposition had organised a coup. Several world leaders including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, have also described the crisis as a coup aimed at forcing Morales out of office.
What Happens Next?
A number of other top government officials including the Vice President and Presidents of both the Senate and Chamber of Deputies also resigned on Sunday, leading to uncertainty over who Morales’ successor will be.
The second vice president of the Senate, Jeanine Anez has, however, said she is next in line and is willing to assume the presidency if she gets the support. Anez, an opposition lawmaker is a fierce critic of Morales. It remains unclear however how events will unfold, giving that Morales’ resignation has not prompted an end to the unrest in the country.
