LA PAZ (Reuters) – Bolivia’s government said Monday that it ordered the police and army to receive key services and send medical oxygen after clashes broke out following protests and roadblocks by opposition supporters, which were not easy early elections.
Tensions are emerging as the South American country heads to a key presidential election on October 18, which was delayed by COVID-19. Supporters of former left-wing leader Evo Morales are calling for the vote to take place on September 6.
The stalemate threatens to convuls the landlocked country and relive last year’s fatal clashes after a disputed election that led to morales’ resignation, dozens of dead and burned buildings.
Elections are taking a stand between morales’ Socialism Movement (MAS) and fragmented conservative opposition, adding interim President Jeanine Anez, who took office last year promising new early elections.
“It is important to put an end to these mobilizations,” Presidency Minister Yerko Núñez said, blaming “radical” groups allied with MAS who “seek death among Bolivians”
“Starting today, the Armed Forces and Police will launch the Public Establishment Protection Project Array.., offering oxygen, medical supplies, medicines and fitness personnel.”
Morales, recently in Argentina, criticized the interim government, which he accuses of leading a coup, and encouraged protests against the delay in the election. Protesters, mainly in rural areas, blocked access to some primary villages, stones, debris and land.
The Ombudsman’s Office recorded at least 3 gunshot wounds following clashes over the unblocking of a road in Bolivia’s east, while the Ministry of Health recorded more than 30 deaths from lack of oxygen last week.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s top representative, suggested the “political dialogue” for peacekeeping and said tensions hit Bolivians already “affected by the coronavirus pandemic with an already collapsed fitness system.”
Defense Minister Fernando Lopez told reporters that violence should be avoided. “We don’t need any more deaths. COVID-19 is already taking too much,” he says.
Reporting through Daniel Ramos; Written through Adam Jourdan; Edited through Richard Chang
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