Reactions to the 2019 Bolivian political crisis

The following is a list of reactions to the 2019 Bolivian political crisis.

2019 Bolivian political crisis
Causes
Effects
Events
Elections
 Bolivia portal

Domestic

The Movement for Socialism (MAS), the governing party of Bolivia, called upon Morales' supporters to defend him.[1]

The Catholic Church in Bolivia said this was not a coup and Pope Francis asked for "peace and serenity".[2] On 18 Dec, Osvaldo Chirveches, Jesuit priest and president of the Conference of Religious of Bolivia observed that "Bolivia is beginning to move and show more positivism. Given the current situation with the recent change of government there are discordant voices and opinions found but we hope that the elections called will mark a new horizon".[3] On 7 January 2020, the Archbishop of El Alto, Eugenio Scarpellini, said that "Those that promote violence cannot become figures of authority". This was in response to statements made by Andrónico Rodríguez, a leading MAS figure and close associate of Morales, suggestion of a return to violence after the 22 January, the day which the new President would have been installed.[4]

In a poll commissioned by the Bolivian NGO group Red UNITAS conducted by Ipsos MORI released on 10 September 2020, 73% of the respondents believed there had been fraud in the 2019 elections, while on the question on whether they believed there had been a coup d'etat, 39% answered yes, while 58% answered no. 83% of the answered yes when asked if the crisis originated from the 2016 Bolivian constitutional referendum on whether to allow Morales further terms. [5][6]

International

Several American governments and other countries and organizations have responded to the resignation; some have supported Morales and others have been supportive of new elections without him.

Supranational bodies

 European Union – EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini urged restraint and asked the parties to "lead the country peacefully and quietly" to new elections.[7] On 21 December, the Technical Mission of Electoral Experts sent by the European Union published a 67 page report made similar observations and conclusions to that of the OAS. They noted that "there were minutes with an unusually high number of null votes, blank votes and a hundred percent participation of voters in a series of polling stations" and highlighted the general failure of the TSE to declare these irregularities.[8][9]

 United Nations – On 11 November 2019, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern at the situation and urged the parties to "refrain from violence" and exercise "maximum restraint".[7] On 13 December 2019, the UN welcomed a later agreement (known as the Law of Guarantees) made between the interim government and both chambers of government where Morales' MAS party hold majorities. Guterres commented that the "implementation of this law should pave the way for a greater normalization of the situation in the country and the holding of transparent, inclusive and credible elections."[10] On 15 January 2020, Jean Arnault, the envoy of the Secretary General in Bolivia, applauded the decision of the Plurinational Constitutional Court to extend the mandate of the interim government until 22 July 2020 in order to facilitate elections while at the same time stressing "it is essential to give up any violent action or threat of violence. In this context, the Personal Envoy joins the rejection expressed by many national actors to the recent declarations of Mr. Evo Morales.” Evo Morales had suggested the formation of "armed militias" like in Venezuela.[11]

Socialist International - On 3 January 2020, at a meeting of the Committee for Latin America of Socialist International, it was declared that they accepted the findings of the OAS and that Morales was not a victim of a coup. A document containing discussions of the Bolivian political crisis states that "“After a broad mobilization of citizens in that country in protest of electoral fraud that was informed and verified by an audit conducted by the Organization of American States (OAS) of the elections that took place on October 20, the president Evo Morales did not suffer a coup d'etat.” The SI document states that the new situation in Bolivia “today entails enormous possibilities for Democrats for the full recovery of democracy and the installation of the values of pluralism, alternation and accountability by the authorities. "[12][13]

Organization of American States - On 5 December, the OAS published a 95-page report [14][15] along with 500 pages of corroborating details as appendices. These included that an outside user who controlled a Linux AMI appliance with "root privileges" — conferring the ability to alter results — accessed the official vote-counting server during the counting and that in a sample of 4,692 returns from polling stations around the country, 226 showed multiple signatures by the same person for different voting booths, a violation of electoral law. On those returns, 91 per cent of votes went to MAS, approximately double the rate recorded elsewhere.[16]

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights - On 10 December the IACHR released a preliminary report investigating possible human rights violations during the crisis stating that there were "strong indications of human rights violations, with profound repercussions for the life of Bolivian society". Bolivia's interim government disputed the report, but expressed its willingness for an international investigation to look further into the acts of violence and human rights violations, and to establish who is responsible for them.[17][18] On 12 December, an agreement was made to form an investigatory committee composed of four high-level technical professionals with abundant experience in the protection of human rights with these experts appointed by the IACHR. They were promised access to the records of "all criminal investigations and cases opened in this context, to public government reports on these events, and to all facilities, infrastructure, resources, and means necessary for [the committee] to do its job, as well as all security measures needed, in keeping with Bolivia’s legislation."[18]

American governments

 Argentina – The outgoing incumbent government of Argentina called for "all sides to talk to restore peace".[19]

Early responses

Later responses

  • On 12 December, Morales departed from Mexico and took asylum in Argentina.
  • After Morales' statements about the formation of "armed militias" in Bolivia, the Chamber of Deputies of Argentina issued a resolution "to address the Executive Power of the Nation through the corresponding agencies (National Commission for Refugees) to deny the procedure of refuge of the former president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, and also revoke the procedure of asylum with which he has been benefited."
  • According to Infobae, Argentine government officials conveyed a personal message from Fernández to Morales stating "Argentina does not endorse the popular armed militias because it goes against all the democratic spirit of living in peace and under the parameters of human rights.”[26]
  • On 19 January 2020, one month after the installation of Argentina's new government, foreign secretary Karen Longevic announced their recognition of diplomats accredited by President Jeanine Ánez and anticipated a "fluid relationship" with that nation.[27]

 Brazil – President Jair Bolsonaro called the situation a "lesson for everyone" and a "win for democracy".[28]

  • Former President and opposition leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the Brazilian President's statement, dubbing the situation as a 'coup' and stating that it was "regrettable that Latin America has an economic elite who do not know how to live with democracy and the social inclusion of the poorest".[29]

 Canada – Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland made a statement that Canada called on Bolivian political and social actors to "exercise restraint and avoid violence and confrontation".[30] Global Affairs Canada (GAC) spokesman John Babcock stated that Canada would work with and support the Áñez government in its caretaker role until elections are held.[31] One GAC official stated that Canada would not use the term "recognition", nor would it likely refer to Áñez as "President Áñez".[31]

 Chile – Chile's government expressed concern at the "interrupted electoral process" and called for a "prompt peaceful and democratic solution within the framework of the constitution".[7]

 Colombia – Colombia's foreign ministry issued a statement in which it called for the "mobilisation of the international community for a process of peaceful transition".[7]

 Costa Rica – Costa Rica's President, Carlos Alvarado Quesada has called for the politicians and citizens of Bolivia to act with respect and prudence in these times after the resignation of Morales and various members of the Government in the line of succession, and to support the democratic norms of Bolivia. He has further called for elections to renovate the democratic leadership which, he says, ought to prevail in Bolivia.[32][33]

 Cuba – Both Cuba's foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned what they termed a coup d'état in Bolivia.[34][35][36][37][38] In January 2020, Parrilla called President Jeanine Áñez "liar," "coup" and "self-proclaimed" in reference to her latest statements about the role of Cuban doctors in the country. On 24 January 2020, Bolivia broke off diplomatic ties with Cuba as a direct result of these statements.[39]

 Mexico – Mexico's foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard viewed the resignation as a coup and offered political asylum to Morales.[36][40]

 Nicaragua – The Nicaraguan government strongly condemned the situation and described it as a coup against Morales, stating that Nicaragua rejected "fascist practices that ignore the constitution, laws and institutionalism that govern the democratic life of nations".[36]

 Peru – The Government of Peru called for a "transition to peace" and new elections in Bolivia.[41]

 United States –

  • U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Morales resignation as "a significant moment for democracy in the Western Hemisphere" and he said in written statement that Morales's departure preserves democracy and paves the way for the Bolivian people to have their voices heard. President Trump also said that Morales resignation sends a strong signal to the "illegitimate regimes" in Venezuela and Nicaragua.[42]
  • The State Department official said the country is monitoring the political situation in Bolivia and calling on civilian leadership to maintain control.[43] It has also warned Americans to avoid all travel to Bolivia "due to civil unrest."[44]

 Uruguay – The Government of Uruguay condemned the events as a coup d'état and expressed dismay at the "breakdown of the rule of law" in Bolivia, stating that it believed no argument could justify these acts following Morales' already expressed support for a new general election.[45][46]

 Venezuela – The two disputed Venezuelan leaders gave opposing views.

  • Nicolás Maduro condemned what he called a coup against Morales. Maduro further urged "all social and political groups across the globe to protest the Bolivian military's action".[47][25]
  • Juan Guaidó took the opposite side, by supporting the "transition of power" and stating that Latin America was feeling a "democratic hurricane."[48] Guaidó has also recognized Áñez as interim president of Bolivia until new presidential elections are held.[49]
    • In response, Interim President Jeanine Áñez recognized Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela and called on Guaidó to appoint the new Venezuelan Ambassador to Bolivia, "who will be recognized immediately by our government."[50] The interim government also severed diplomatic relations with Venezuela's Maduro government, giving its diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.[51][52]

Other governments

 China – Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang called for dialogue between the two parties, for them to "resolve their differences peacefully within the framework and constitution and laws," adding that China hoped Bolivia could "restore social stability as soon as possible."[53]

 Iran – The Iranian Foreign Ministry has condemned a "coup in Bolivia and change of government without a legal basis." It also accused the United States of interfering the internal affairs of Bolivia.[54]

 Portugal – The Portuguese Assembly of the Republic passed a resolution expressing concern about the political situation in Bolivia, and called for the restoration of "democratic normality". Resolutions condemning or condoning Morales' resignation were rejected.[55][56]

 Russia – Russia's Foreign Ministry urged all political forces to "show common sense" and accused Bolivia's opposition of "unleashing a new wave of violence" in the country, calling the events "an orchestrated coup."[57][7]

 Spain – Spain criticized the role of Bolivia's police and Army in Morales' resignation, calling it an illegal "intervention", which marked a "return to moments in the past history of Latin America". It further urged the parties to "overcome the institutional vacuum" and ensure the security of all citizens, representatives of the media, civil society, as well as Morales, his relatives and members of his administration.[46][58]

 Syria – Syria's foreign ministry strongly condemned what it considered a military coup in Bolivia and stated that it "expresses solidarity with the legitimately elected President Evo Morales".[59][60]

 Turkey – Turkey's Foreign Ministry has expressed concern over the developments in Bolivia that it deems have resulted in the resignation of President Evo Morales and stated that it believes in the principle that governments come into power through a democratic process.[61]

Other

In an interview published by Agence France-Presse on 24 December 2019, Morales said from Argentina, "I'm absolutely convinced it's a coup against lithium," backed by the United States.[62] Morales had earlier made similar declarations during an interview with Glenn Greenwald of The Intercept.[63] Several sources, however, including those from the mining industry itself, question this motive and the value of Bolivian's lithium.[64][65][66][67]

See also

References
  1. "Bolivia protests: Ruling party urges support for Evo Morales". BBC. November 10, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  2. "Para la Iglesia católica "lo que sucede en Bolivia no es un golpe de Estado"" [For the Catholic church, "what happened in Bolivia is not a coup d'etat"]. La Izquierda Diario (in Spanish). November 11, 2019.
  3. "Next elections mark a new horizon" (in Spanish).
  4. "Candidatos que promueven acciones violentas no pueden ser futuras autoridades" (in Spanish). January 8, 2020.
  5. "Encuesta: 73% de la población considera que hubo fraude en las elecciones de 2019" (in Spanish). Erbol. September 10, 2020. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  6. "Encuesta: 73% de la población considera que hubo fraude en las elecciones de 2019". Red UNITAS (in Spanish). September 10, 2020. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  7. "Evo Morales steps down: Reaction from Latin America and beyond". Al Jazeera. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  8. https://www.voanoticias.com/a/union-europea-detecto-errores-irregularidades-elecciones-bolivia/5215093.html
  9. https://www.uetrabajandojuntos.org/documentos/
  10. "UN welcomes political agreement in Bolivia to make 'guarantee law' feasible" (in Spanish).
  11. "UN envoy highlights ruling on extension of mandate and calls to avoid acts of violence" (in Spanish).
  12. "International Socialist: Evo was not a victim of a coup d'etat". www.paginasiete.bo (in Spanish).
  13. "Catholic Church in Bolivia urges May elections be peaceful and democratic" (in Spanish).
  14. "OAS - Organization of American States: Democracy for peace, security, and development". www.oas.org. August 1, 2009.
  15. "Results" (PDF). www.oas.org. 2019. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
  16. Dyer, Evan (December 10, 2019). "OAS audit of Bolivian election finds evidence of systematic fraud". www.cbc.ca. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
  17. "IACHR calls for international probe into alleged human rights abuses in Bolivia".
  18. "IACHR Creates an Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts to Support Investigations into Recent Violence and Human Rights Violations in Bolivia, and Announces an On-Site Visit to the Country". December 12, 2019.
  19. "The Latest: Argentina urges Bolivians to talk, keep peace". AP NEWS. November 11, 2019. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  20. "Mauricio Macri repudió "la violencia" y afirmó que "las elecciones son la mejor manera de transparentar la voluntad del pueblo boliviano"". Clarin.com. Clarin. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  21. "Diputados y el Senado repudiaron 'el golpe de Estado en Bolivia'". Perfil (in Spanish). November 13, 2019. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  22. "El golpe a Evo Morales expuso fuertes diferencias en Cambiemos" (in Spanish). LaPolíticaOnline. November 11, 2019. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  23. "La grieta más inesperada: interna en el macrismo por Evo Morales". El Cronista (in Spanish). November 11, 2019. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
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  26. "Argentina and UN reject Evo threats of violence" (in Spanish). January 16, 2020.
  27. "Longaric foresees a more fluid relationship with Argentina" (in Spanish). January 19, 2020.
  28. "Bolsonaro fala sobre fraudes na Bolívia e renúncia de Evo Morales" (in Portuguese). EBC. November 10, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  29. "No tardan reacciones a la renuncia de Evo Morales a la presidencia de Bolivia" (in Spanish). Voice of America. November 10, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  30. "Canada calls for calm in Bolivia". Radio Canada International. November 11, 2019. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  31. "Canada will 'support' Bolivian opposition government". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. November 14, 2019. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
  32. Matute Urdaneta, Gabriela. "Lo dijo en CNN: Reacciones dentro y fuera de Bolivia a la crisis y más entrevistas de la semana". CNN Español. CNN. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  33. Arrieta, Estaban. "Carlos Alvarado pide respetar la paz e institucionalidad en Bolivia". La Republica.net. La Republica.
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  37. "Mexico says Bolivia suffered coup due to military pressure on Morales". Reuters. November 11, 2019.
  38. Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro; Marta Rodríguez (November 12, 2019). "Evo Morales political asylum: Is Bolivia facing a coup d'etat?". Euronews.
  39. "Bolivia suspends diplomatic relations with Cuba" (in Spanish). January 24, 2020.
  40. "Mexico grants asylum to Bolivia's Evo Morales, demands safe conduct". Reuters. November 11, 2019.
  41. "Peru calls for restoration of peace in Bolivia, transparent elections". Reuters. November 10, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  42. "Power vacuum looms as Evo Morales resignation splits Bolivia". The Guardian. November 11, 2019. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
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  44. Rambaran, Vandana (November 12, 2019). "State Department warns against travel to Bolivia amid unrest". Fox News Channel. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
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  49. "Juan Guaidó recognized Jeanine Áñez as interim president of Bolivia: "They are an inspiration for Venezuela"". Infobae (in Spanish). November 13, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  50. "Bolivia reconoce a Juan Guaidó como presidente (E) de Venezuela" (in Spanish). Alberto News. November 13, 2019.
  51. "La política internacional de Añez: anunció la salida de Bolivia del Alba, de la Unasur y rompió relaciones con Venezuela". Latinomerica Piensa (in Spanish). November 15, 2019.
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  53. "Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on November 11, 2019". www.fmprc.gov.cn. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
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  55. "VOTAÇÕES EFETUADAS EM 15 November 2019" (PDF). Parlemento.pt. Assembly of the Republic. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  56. "Voto n.º 33/XIV/1ªDe preocupação pela situaçãona Bolívia e de apelo à reposição da normalidade democrática" (PDF). Parlemento.pt. Assembly of the Republic. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  57. "Russia accuses Bolivian opposition of unleashing violence". Reuters. November 11, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  58. "Spain condemns the intervention of the Bolivian Army to force Morales' resignation". The Diplomat in Spain. November 12, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  59. "Syria Strongly Condemns Military Coup in Bolivia". The Syrian Observer. November 12, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  60. ruaa-jazaeri (November 11, 2019). "Syria strongly condemns military coup in Bolivia, expresses solidarity with President Evo Morales". Syrian Arab News Agency. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  61. Morrow, Sibel (November 11, 2019). "Turkey voices concern over political unrest in Bolivia". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  62. "Morales claims US orchestrated 'coup' to tap Bolivia's lithium". AFP News. December 24, 2019.
  63. Jake Johnson (December 25, 2019). "Evo Morales Says He Is 'Absolutely Convinced' US Led Coup in Bolivia to Exploit Lithium Reserves". Common Dreams.
  64. "Bolivia's lithium isn't the new oil". November 13, 2019.
  65. "Why you shouldn't expect any white gold rush in the wake of Morales' overthrow". November 15, 2019.
  66. "Bolivia's almost impossible lithium dream". December 3, 2019.
  67. "Bolivia: Where revolutionaries and lithium miners go to die". www.mining.com. December 23, 2019.
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