This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
On November 12, 2019, Bolivia was plunged into a power vacuum after the resignation of President Evo Morales, who stepped down following weeks of protests over his disputed re-election.
However, Jeanine Anez, a 52-year-old senator from the northeastern department of Beni, swiftly moved to fill the void. During a session of Congress that failed to reach a quorum, she proclaimed herself Bolivia's new interim president.
"We want to call new elections as soon as possible," Anez said in a speech to Congress, with only lawmakers opposed to Morales present. Earlier, in the Senate, she had proclaimed herself president of the upper chamber.
"It's a commitment we have made to the country and of course, we will fulfill it," she said.
Anez, who is constitutionally next-in-line for the presidency after the vice-president and leaders of both houses of Congress resigned along with Morales, has promised to create a climate of social peace in the country.
Carlos Mesa, the centrist candidate defeated by Morales in the tainted October 20 presidential elections, tweeted his congratulations after the session.
Powerful opposition figure Luis Fernandez Camacho, regional leader in eastern department of Santa Cruz, announced he had lifted strikes and blockades called three weeks ago in protest at Morales' disputed re-election.
