LatinNews Daily - 18 November 2019

Bolivia: On 13 November, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo issued a press release stating that the US “applauds” Bolivian Senator Jeanine Áñez “for stepping up as Interim President of State to lead her nation through this democratic transition, under the constitution of Bolivia and in accordance with the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter”. The statement adds “we look forward to working with the Organization of American States, Bolivia’s civilian constitutional institutions, and the Bolivian people as they prepare to hold free, fair elections as soon as possible. We call on all parties to protect democracy during the coming weeks and to refrain from violent acts against fellow citizens and their property”. Añez took over following the resignation of Evo Morales on 10 November. Her assumption of office has been contentious; while she was the next-in-line to take over the presidency following the departure of all other constitutionally-designated successors and has been recognised by Bolivia’s constitutional court (TCP), Morales and his Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party reject her assumption of office as illegal. They cite the lack of quorum at the legislative session held to consider Morales’ resignation and the designation of his interim successor.

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