- Question
Was Bolivian President Evo Morales ousted in a coup?
Bolivia has been a site of political upheaval since Evo Morales, president of the country for 13 consecutive years, declared his victory in the October 20th election. The streets have been filled with both violent and peaceful protestors. Some argue against the legitimacy of the vote. Others defend the re-election of the left-wing, indigenous leader. On November 10th, Morales resigned and sought political asylum in Mexico.
Evo Morales was ousted in a coup d'état
After his electoral victory in October 20th 2019, Evo Morales faced an orchestrated campaign against his rule, led by his opposition, Bolivia's economic elites and the international community. The campaign concluded with his forced resignation on November 11th.
The election was not fair
There is evidence, backed by prominent actors of the international community, that the national election was not conducted safely. On top of this, Evo Morales should not have run for re-election a fourth term.
Regime change is legitimate
This position holds that, however Evo Morales was removed, regime change in Bolivia was legitimate. It argues that the legal niceties of his ouster matter less than the fact that Bolivians were demanding a change of government — making the transition justified in its own right.