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Clashes in Post-Election Dispute Shut Down Much of Bolivia

Associated Press

   LA PAZ - Backers and foes of Bolivian President Evo Morales are
   blocking streets and highways across the country in a dispute over
   official election results that show the leftist leader winning
   reelection without a runoff.

   Anti-Morales protesters have shut down the eastern city of Santa Cruz
   for a sixth day, Pro- and anti-Morales demonstrators have clashed in
   the capital of La Paz, where schools and many businesses were closed
   and public transport frozen.

   Backers of opposition leader Carlos Mesa say results from the Oct. 20
   vote were rigged to give Morales just enough of a majority to avoid a
   runoff he might lose. He is demanding a runoff in any case.

   Morales denies irregularities and says he welcomes an international
   audit of the election and vote counting.

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