Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Bolivian Senate OKs New Election, Bars Ex-president

Associated Press

   LA PAZ, BOLIVIA - Bolivia's Senate on Saturday unanimously approved a
   measure calling for new presidential elections that would exclude
   ousted leader Evo Morales -- a key step toward pacifying a nation since
   an October 20 vote marred by reported irregularities.

   The measure forbids reelection of anyone who has served the last two
   terms consecutively as president, effectively ruling out Morales, whose
   refusal to accept such term limits was a key issue inprotests
   againsthim.

   The bill now goes to the lower house, which like the Senate is
   dominated by Morales' Movement Toward Socialism party.

   The measure did not set a date for the vote.

   Resignation

   Morales' claim of victory and a fourth term in the October 20 election
   prompted massive protests that led him to resign on November 10 at the
   army's suggestion. An audit by a team from the Organization of American
   States found widespread irregularities in that election.

   After Morales left for asylum in Mexico, his own supporters took to the
   streets in protest.

   Officials say at least 32 people have died in demonstrations since the
   presidential election, which would be annulled by Saturday's vote.

   An agreement on elections between Morales' party and the interim
   government helped pacify the country. Street blockades were lifted,
   allowing supplies to reach marketplaces Saturday in areas that had been
   short of groceries and gas.

   Senator Oscar Ortiz said the bill calls for updating the electoral
   rolls and naming a completely new electoral tribunal to oversee the
   vote.

.