Bolivia’s Congress approved a bill Saturday that opens the door to new elections without ex-president Evo Morales, as the caretaker government met with protesters to end weeks of unrest, report agencies.
At least 32 people have been killed in violence that erupted after a disputed election on October 20, with protesters’ blockades causing severe fuel and food shortages in La Paz and other cities.
Both houses voted in favour of the proposal that will be sent to interim president Jeanine Anez, who is expected to sign the bill into law.
Among other things, the bill annuls the results of the October 20 vote and allows for new elections to be held.
Crucially, it bars candidates who served in both of the two previous terms from seeking re-election for the same position. That would prevent Morales from contesting the presidency in the new ballot.
