Bolivia: roadblocks increase against further postponement of elections

A protester, supporting ex-Bolivian President Evo Morales, on a blocked road in El Alto, August 10, 2020. Luis Gandarillas / AFP

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In Bolivia, the blockades that began on August 3 are not weakening and tension is mounting in the country. In the streets, pro Evo Morales citizens are calling for elections as soon as possible, and not on October 18 as has been announced. There, the quarantine linked to the coronavirus has lasted for more than four months, and the country has more than 90,000 patients and almost 4,000 deaths.

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With our correspondent in La Paz, Alice Campaignolle

Bolivia is divided again. Some blockages are lifted with violence, sometimes by the police, sometimes by groups claiming to be paramilitary. Images that recall the events of November 2019 , during which the Bolivians clashed for weeks.

Today, tensions are concentrated around the date of the presidential election, once again postponed to October 18 , but also around the health and economic situation. Many Bolivians feel abandoned and unanswered in terms of health, education, and the economy.

► To read also: Coronavirus: Bolivia in turn overwhelmed by the epidemic

Jeanine Añez more and more isolated

The public prosecutor has just opened an investigation against the leaders of the MAS (Movement towards Socialism) for terrorism and attack on public health in particular, because the party is at the origin of the roadblocks and rallies. And on some roads, the demonstrators prevented the passage of essential products.

Some sectors are asking for firmness against blockages, such as Marco Pumari, presidential candidate: “ What are the authorities waiting for to declare a state of siege in the country? And that once and for all, the army and the police take control.  "

The president, Jeanine Añez, unsuccessfully called for dialogue. Its support is increasingly scarce. And in Bolivia, many are asking for his resignation.

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  • Bolivia
  • Coronavirus

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