Chairman Sires Urges Prompt, Free, and Fair Elections in Bolivia

(Washington, DC) – Today, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade, called for free and fair elections as soon as possible in Bolivia, following the resignation announcement of President Evo Morales:

“I call on the Bolivian authorities to ensure prompt, free, and fair elections, guaranteed by international observers. I urge all sides to refrain from any acts of violence. Bolivia’s Legislative Assembly must ensure the reestablishment of peaceful, democratic order, under civilian control. It is essential that new elections enable Bolivians to choose their own leaders through a transparent and fully democratic process. I am grateful to the Organization of American States’ electoral observers and auditors; whose work revealed the deeply flawed electoral process that occurred in October and made new elections the only democratic path forward.”