Bolivia’s Morales to call fresh election after OAS audit

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Bolivia’s President Evo Morales has said he will call a new election after international monitors questioned the validity of his victory last month.

The Organization of American States (OAS), which monitored the elections, called for the result to be annulled.

Mr Morales’ announcement comes after weeks of anti-government protests over reported irregularities and fraud.

The president, who was first elected in 2006, has denied any wrongdoing and ignored calls to resign.

In his announcement on Sunday, he also said the country’s electoral body would be overhauled before the poll, with parliament choosing its members.

Mr Morales, who is Bolivia’s first indigenous president, told reporters that he made the decision “to reduce all tension”.

“We all have an obligation to pacify Bolivia,” he said.

What did the OAS say?

In its preliminary report on Saturday, the OAS said it had found “clear manipulations” of Bolivia’s voting system and it could not verify the result of the 20 October race.