Evo Morales has accepted an offer of political asylum in Mexico a day after resigning as president of Bolivia amid election fraud protests.
In a tweet, he said it hurt to be leaving Bolivia but he would return with more “strength and energy”.
Mexico’s Foreign Minister, Marcelo Ebrard, confirmed Mr. Morales had boarded a Mexican government plane.
Meanwhile, Bolivia’s military commander ordered troops to back up police who have clashed with Morales supporters.
Some 20 people were reported injured in the clashes.
Mr. Morales earlier urged his supporters to resist the “dark powers” that had forced him to step down.
READ ALSO: Bolivian President Evo Morales Resigns Amid Election Protests
Mr. Morales, a former coca farmer, was first elected in 2006. He has won plaudits for fighting poverty and improving Bolivia’s economy but drew controversy by defying constitutional term limits to run for a fourth term in October’s election, which is alleged to have been rife with irregularities.
Mr. Ebrard announced the decision to grant Mr. Morales asylum at a press conference.
Mexico has a left-leaning government and has supported Mr. Morales.
Mr. Ebrard earlier described events in Bolivia as a “coup”, citing the military’s involvement in Mr. Morales’ resignation.
Meanwhile, the deputy leader of the Senate, Jeanine Áñez, said she would assume power as interim leader until elections were held.
Ms. Áñez made the announcement after Vice-President Álvaro García, Senate leader Adriana Salvatierra and House of Deputies’ leader Victor Borda had all resigned, leaving her next in line to take over power temporarily.
“I assume this challenge with the only objective to call new elections,” she said. “This is simply a transitional phase.”
Source: BBC
