The EU, Colombia, United States and others have urged Bolivia to hold a second election round amid protests and delays in reporting results. Official results put President Evo Morales winning the first round outright.
The European Union backed calls from election observers for a runoff election in Bolivia’s controversial presidential election on Thursday, following days of protests and allegations of vote-rigging.
The United States, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina also called for a second-round vote between President Evo Morales and his top challenger.
In a communique issued by Colombia’s foreign ministry, the four nations said they “will only recognize results that reflect the will of the Bolivian people.”
Earlier on Thursday, Morales declared himself the winner, with official results appearing to show him winning the first round outright.
With 99.99% of the ballots counted on Thursday night, leftist Morales took 47.07% while his center-right challenger, former President Carlos Mesa, took 36.51%.
The results narrowly gave Morales the 10 point lead necessary to avoid a runoff election, granting him a fourth term in office.
The final, official vote tally could still be delayed after electoral authorities announced voting would have to be held again in five areas in the Amazonian Beni region. Due to voting irregularities, a rerun of the vote will be held on November 3, although election officials said the results wouldn’t change the outcome.
Via DW
