BOLIVIA. Sucre: A cry for justice resounded through the streets of the historic capital on Friday as hundreds of dissenters marched on 25 de Mayo Square. The demonstrators were part of a growing movement contesting the results of October´s presidential election, in which the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party leader, Luis Arce, won the popular vote.
Changing the rules stoked the fires of rebellion
Road blockades and large protests have also taken place in La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Potosi over the past week. The movement began after the MAS party decided to change a law within the parliament that would allow them to hold the majority vote, despite lacking the 2/3 party occupation required by the constitution.
The Bolivian parliament has the power to appoint supreme court judges, approve trials for high ranking officials, and also pass new laws.
This legal sleight of hand was the final straw for residents already reluctant to accept another MAS president. Especially after the short and bloody revolution that ensued as a result of last year´s election fraud, during which citizens strong-armed former MAS party president Evo Morales to resign and flee the country.
Protesters want the military to take control
Demonstrators have requested the military seize control of the current government and stop Arce from entering office, which is set to take place this Sunday, 8 Nov.
The Bolivian military has not made any public statements in response to the protests or the call to action made at the behest of their people.
Photo credit: Autumn Spredemann
Morales has vowed to return next week
Deposed former president Morales stated his intentions to return from exile 24 hours after Arce is sworn into office on Sunday. This bold maneuver has left the nation on edge, aggravating the protesters further. Morales intends to lead a victory caravan of his followers from the Argentinian border town of Villazon to Chimore, which is the central city for the cocaleros in the region of Chapare.
