Bolivia has once again postponed its general elections for a second time because of the coronavirus pandemic, putting it off until October 18, 2020, officials have confirmed. Originally set to hold in May, the polls were rescheduled to September 6, 2020, after the country was forced (like the rest of the world) to go into lockdown in response to the rapidly spreading coronavirus disease.

Salvador Romero, who heads the country’s electoral court, said the decision to delay the elections again came after medical experts warned that COVID-19 infections would peak in the South American country in late August or early September.

“The definitive date for the election gives better conditions for health protection, outside voting facilities, and the arrival of international observer missions,” said Romero.

Right-wing lawmaker and interim president, Jeanine Anez, has said she will accept the new date. Anez who is running in the election against Movement for Socialism Party candidate, Luis Arce, had upon resumption, pledged to hold a quick new election to fill the political void in the country. However, the global pandemic put a stop to her plans with the elections being pushed for a second time.

Responding to the postponement, Morales wrote on Twitter that the delay “will only harm the people” and blamed the interim government for its response to the pandemic. He added the move was unconstitutional and a tactic for his opponents to “gain more time.”

Bolivia, with a population of 11m, has not been as hard hit by coronavirus as its neighbours Brazil, Peru, and Chile, but cases have been rising steadily. It has registered over 64,000 cases and 2,300 deaths, with the worst day for new cases coming last Saturday.

A second-round run-off — should there be one — would take place on November 29, the electoral court chief added