Bolivian ex-leader Morales, backers set out on weeklong protest march

Bolivian ex-leader Morales, backers set out on weeklong protest march

Evo Morales (R), Bolivia's first-ever Indigenous president from 2006-2019, was extremely popular until he tried to bypass the constitution and seek a fourth term
Evo Morales (R), Bolivia's first-ever Indigenous president from 2006-2019, was extremely popular until he tried to bypass the constitution and seek a fourth term. Photo: AIZAR RALDES / AFP
Source: AFP

Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales embarked on a seven-day march with thousands of supporters Tuesday against incumbent leader Luis Arce, who has denounced the protest as a "coup attempt."

Before departing on the near 200-kilometer (124-mile) "March to save Bolivia," from the town of Caracollo to the capital La Paz, Morales told backers Arce had "abandoned us, betrayed us, with bad management and corruption."

Thousands of Indigenous marchers waved the flag of Bolivia as well as the flag of Morales and Arce's MAS socialist party.

They also waved wiphalas -- the multicolored checkered symbol of the Indigenous peoples of the Andes.

Arce has accused his former ally-turned-rival Morales of plotting a coup by calling for demonstrations against him.

Protesters, however, blame him for economic woes and a shortage of dollars and fuel in the South American country.

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Supporters of Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales are angry about economic hardship
Supporters of Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales are angry about economic hardship. Photo: AIZAR RALDES / AFP
Source: AFP

Chanting "The people are angry," the crowd set out on foot on a journey expected to get them to La Paz by next Monday.

In a religious ceremony prior to their departure, they asked for the blessing of Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Morales, Bolivia's first-ever Indigenous president from 2006-2019, was extremely popular until he tried to bypass the constitution and seek a fourth term.

Morales wants to challenge incumbent Luis Arce to become the MAS candidate for presidential elections in August 2025
Morales wants to challenge incumbent Luis Arce to become the MAS candidate for presidential elections in August 2025. Photo: AIZAR RALDES / AFP
Source: AFP

He wants to challenge Arce to become the MAS candidate for presidential elections in August 2025, but the courts have so far barred him from doing so.

On Monday, Morales supporters blocked roads leading to Lake Titicaca, a gigantic body of water shared by Bolivia and Peru and a popular tourist destination.

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Source: AFP

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