Bolivia’s interim govt mulls holding new elections

Former leader Evo Morales

La Paz, Bolivia’s interim government was considering conducting a new presidential election as the country was locked in political unrest after the resignation of former leader Evo Morales, an official said on Monday.

Jerjes Justiniano, interim presidential minister, said on Monday that the government wanted to appoint new members to the Supreme Electoral Court, but the move was being blocked by the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party, which holds a majority of seats in the Legislative Assembly, reports Efe news.

“Unfortunately, no progress has been made with the MAS bloc,” said Justiniano.

“Without them, it is impossible to take this legislative step. We are looking at other mechanisms that can lead to elections being held as soon as possible.”

One possible solution put forward by former Bolivian President Jorge Quiroga was to bypass legislation and issue a “supreme decree”.

Bolivia has been plagued by anti-government protests since Morales won a fourth presidential term in the October 20 elections.

The opposition refused to recognize his victory, claiming fraud.

Morales announced his resignation on November 10 after the military demanded his departure.

He arrived later in Mexico, which offered him political asylum.

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