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Bolivian Interim Leader Says Morales Could Face Charges

Associated Press

   LA PAZ, BOLIVIA - Bolivia's interim leader said Friday that Evo Morales
   will face possible legal charges for election fraud if he returns home,
   even as the ousted leader contended he is still president despite
   resigning after massive protests.
   Interim President Jeanine Anez escalated the confrontation with Morales
   on Friday, a day after she said he would not be allowed to participate
   in upcoming presidential elections meant to heal the Andean nation's
   political standoff.
   Morales stepped down on Sunday following nationwide protests over
   suspected vote-rigging in an Oct. 20 election in which he claimed to
   have won a fourth term in office. An Organization of American States
   audit of the vote found widespread irregularities.
   On Thursday, Morales told The Associated Press in Mexico, where he has
   been granted asylum, that while he had submitted his resignation, it
   was never accepted by Congress.
   "I can say that I'm still president," he said.
   Morales said he left because of military pressure, the army chief had
   "suggested" he leave, and threats of violence against his close
   collaborators.

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