Bolivian Socialists Say Morales or Ex-VP will Not Run in Election

"We are going to participate in the elections and we are going to do it with young candidates, especially the president and vice president," Henry Cabrera, vice president of the House of deputies and a member of MAS, told Reuters.

"We are not going to recycle candidates. That is the official position of the Movement for Socialism."

Cabrera said MAS would not suggest members for a new electoral board.

On Wednesday, Bolivia's interim government presented a bill that would annul the disputed Oct. 20 vote, appoint a new electoral board and forge a path to new elections.

The South American country's two chambers of congress are expected to debate the election bill beginning on Thursday and possibly extending into Friday. There is no date set for new elections.

Long-term leftist leader Morales, Garcia Linera and several other top MAS officials stepped down on Nov. 10 under pressure from protesters, civil groups, security forces and allies, as well as an international audit that found serious irregularities in the election count and cast doubt on Morales' announced outright victory.

Currently led by an interim government under conservative former Senator Jeanine Anez, Bolivia is grappling to mend stark divisions between Morales' supporters and opponents seeking to move beyond his nearly 14-year rule.

Street violence has shaken the country and killed 32 people since the disputed October election.

REUTERS