Bolivia's president resigns after army's ‘suggestion’

By Vakkas Dogantekin and Ali Murat Alhas

ANKARA (AA) – Bolivian President Evo Morales resigned Sunday shortly after the head of country’s armed forces called on him to step down, the pan-Latin American Telesur television network reported.

In a televised statement, Army Chief William Kaliman urged Morales to resign in order to restore security in the country.

Just hours ago, Morales had called for a new election to address allegations of voting irregularities.

Notably, Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera also resigned after the military intervention, which Morales referred to as 'coup' against his elected government.

Bolivia has been mired in political unrest following alleged irregularities in presidential elections held on Oct. 20.

Carlos Mesa, leader of the main opposition Revolutionary Left Front party, said he would not recognize Morales' victory, claiming there was "fraud" in the vote count.