Unrest in Bolivia grows as observers call on government to respect vote results

Record ID: 1438023

  • Title: Unrest in Bolivia grows as observers call on government to respect vote results
  • Date: 22nd October 2019
  • Summary: LA PAZ, BOLIVIA (OCTOBER 22, 2019) (REUTERS) PROTESTER HOLDING SIGN READING (Spanish), "TSE (SUPREME ELECTORAL COURT): HOW MUCH WERE YOU PAID FOR DEMOCRACY?" RIOT POLICE AND PROTESTERS VARIOUS, PROTESTERS CHANTING PROTESTERS BY POLICE
  • Embargoed: 5th November 2019 20:48
  • Keywords: Catholic bishop Bolivia mission EU presidential results elections President Evo Morales campaign observers vote dispute
  • Location: LA PAZ & SANTA CRUZ, BOLIVIA
  • City: LA PAZ & SANTA CRUZ, BOLIVIA
  • Country: Bolivia
  • Topics: Government/Politics,Elections/Voting
  • Reuters ID: LVA003B26L26F
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO AS INCOMING IN SOUNDBITE IN SHOT 9
    The government of Bolivian President Evo Morales on Tuesday (October 22) asked an official observer of the country's disputed presidential election to conduct an audit of a binding vote count after an official quick tally showing him winning sparked a backlash and violent street protests.
    The observer, the Organization of American States (OAS), had raised concerns after the electoral board's quick count of votes was abruptly halted on Sunday (October 20) when Morales appeared to be heading for a run-off with chief rival against Carlos Mesa.
    When the quick count resumed amid an outcry a day later, Morales had eked out enough of a lead to win outright in the first-round.
    The OAS, made up of states in the Western Hemisphere, convened a special meeting for Wednesday (October 23) to discuss the matter.
    The winner needs more than 50% or 40% plus a 10-point lead to avoid a December 15 run-off.
    In downtown La Paz on Tuesday, roads near markets were clogged with residents loading up with food while long lines formed at some gas stations amid fears of prolonged unrest or a military curfew.
    The unrest marked a major jolt for the land-locked country, which has had a long stretch of political stability under Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president and South America's longest continuous-serving standing leader.
    (Production: Santiago Limachi, Herbert Villarraga, Monica Machicao)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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