The news of Evo Morale's departure came on Sunday after several weeks of violent protests in Bolivia. Earlier in the day, the Pan-American collaboration group OAS strongly criticized the way the presidential election was held in October, and Morales agreed to the recommendation for a new election.

However, the opposition in Bolivia continued to demand the resignation of the president. The country's military also urged him to leave, and Morales himself describes his reluctant departure as a "coup d'état".

"It hurts to leave the country"

The message prompted opposition supporters to go out on the country's streets and celebrate. At the same time, Morales himself wrote on Twitter that his home must have been attacked.

Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard left early, offered Morale's asylum, which he sought and was granted. Ebrard also asked Bolivia's foreign minister to guarantee a safe trip for Morales.

"It hurts to leave the country for political reasons," Evo Morales wrote on Twitter.

Armed forces cooperate with police

Supporters of the president protested on Monday against political developments and the situation in the country remains troubled. Defense Chief Williams Kaliman states that the military is now assisting the police to "avoid bloodshed," the AP writes. He also called on the people of the country to help restore peace.

The fact that armed forces cooperate with police is not entirely uncontroversial, as Morale's supporters regard his departure as a military coup.

In addition to Morales, the Vice President and Senate President have also left their posts, which means that the country is currently without real leadership. However, the Senate's vice-president, who is in turn to take over as deputy president, has promised that new elections will be held on January 22.