Bolivian President Evo Morales has resigned after nearly 14 years in power, amid turmoil following his disputed re-election last month. Morales had initially agreed to new elections in order to quell the controversy-- however, continued protests increase the political pressure on Morales and his party. Several of Morales' key political allies resigned, some citing fears for the safety of their families. The final straw came when the army chief, General Williams Kaliman, urged Morales to resign "to allow for pacification and the maintaining of stability."
Vice-President Alvaro García and Senate President Adriana Salvatierra also resigned. Protesters took to the streets to celebrate, chanting "yes we could" and setting off firecrackers.
Auditors had discovered irregularities with last month's poll but Morales said he had been the victim of a coup. He said he was leaving to help protect families of political allies, after their homes were burned down. In a televised address, Morales urged protesters to "stop attacking our brothers and sisters, stop burning and attacking."
Opposition leader Carlos Mesa-- who came second in last month's poll - thanked protesters for "the heroism of peaceful resistance." In a tweet, he described the development as "the end of tyranny" and a "historical lesson", saying, "Long live Bolivia!"
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