Bolivia interim president says Morales to be barred from next election

Bolivian interim President Jeanine Anez said on Thursday that exiled former President Evo Morales will not be able to take part in upcoming elections because he is barred from running for a fourth consecutive term. Anez did not announce a new date for election but under the constitution must call for them within 90 days of her taking office on Tuesday.

Morales' 14-year socialist rule ended in violent protests and recriminations after accusations of vote rigging lobbed by his supporters in the Oct. 20 election. At least seven people have been killed in clashes between Morales' supporters, opponents and police since protests first erupted three weeks ago. In an interview on Wednesday, Morales said he was still legally president because his resignation had not yet been accepted by the legislature.