May 18, 2025

Hundreds of supporters of ex-President Evo Morales marched towards Bolivia's top electoral court to advocate for his candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections. The rally turned violent as clashes erupted between the demonstrators and police. The protests were sparked by a ruling from Bolivia's Constitutional Court that barred Morales from running in the August elections. The confrontations intensified as supporters chanted for Morales to return while security forces prevented them from reaching the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. The clashes resulted in injuries to police officers, a journalist, and a local merchant. Police Commander Juan Russo expressed concerns over the violence, stating that the protesters were using firecrackers and rocks against the authorities. The court's decision to uphold the ban on presidents serving more than two terms led to Morales' disqualification as he had already served three terms. Morales, who resigned in 2019 amid protests over his bid for a fourth term, has continued to rally his supporters and criticize the court's ruling. Despite being in exile and facing charges, Morales' loyalists remain steadfast in their support for the former president. The government issued warnings regarding Morales' potential arrest, leading to further tension and demonstrations in Bolivia.

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Tags: Bolivia, Evo morales, Protests, Presidential elections, Court ruling,