01:22Violent confrontations between protesters and police broke out in La Paz on Thursday as Evo Morales declared victory in the presidential vote. The election commission announced that Morales won a fourth term with 47.07 per cent of the ballots.
His opponent Carlos Mesa rejected the results alleging officials were tampering with the vote counting. According to the law, Morales needed more than 50 per cent of the vote or 40 per cent plus a 10-percentage-point advantage over his opponent to avoid a second round in December.
Protesters rallied in high numbers despite a heavy police presence, carrying Bolivian flags and chanting slogans. Police forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Bolivia: Violent protests continue in La Paz as Morales declares victory
Violent confrontations between protesters and police broke out in La Paz on Thursday as Evo Morales declared victory in the presidential vote. The election commission announced that Morales won a fourth term with 47.07 per cent of the ballots.
His opponent Carlos Mesa rejected the results alleging officials were tampering with the vote counting. According to the law, Morales needed more than 50 per cent of the vote or 40 per cent plus a 10-percentage-point advantage over his opponent to avoid a second round in December.
Protesters rallied in high numbers despite a heavy police presence, carrying Bolivian flags and chanting slogans. Police forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Violent confrontations between protesters and police broke out in La Paz on Thursday as Evo Morales declared victory in the presidential vote. The election commission announced that Morales won a fourth term with 47.07 per cent of the ballots.
His opponent Carlos Mesa rejected the results alleging officials were tampering with the vote counting. According to the law, Morales needed more than 50 per cent of the vote or 40 per cent plus a 10-percentage-point advantage over his opponent to avoid a second round in December.
Protesters rallied in high numbers despite a heavy police presence, carrying Bolivian flags and chanting slogans. Police forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.