Bolivia's re-election ruling guarantees democratic continuity, says president

LA PAZ, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales on Wednesday said a court ruling that paves the way for his possible re-election strengthens democracy and guarantees democratic continuity.

At a press conference, Morales said Tuesday's ruling by the Plurinational Constitutional Court (TCP), which eliminated term limits for elected office, also obeys the will of the people.

"It guarantees democratic continuity, but it also guarantees stability, dignity and work for the equality of the Bolivian people," said Morales.

The decision allows Morales, who came to power in 2006, to run for office indefinitely, though it applies to other elected posts as well, including the vice presidency, national, regional and local legislators, mayors and governors.

The case for allowing re-election was promoted by the ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) party and civic organizations that support Morales' performance as president.

Bolivia's first indigenous president remains popular after a decade in power, thanks to policies that have improved the lives of the country's majority indigenous groups, which were long overlooked by previous administrations.

Morales was first elected into the presidency in January 2006. He was re-elected in 2009 and 2014 separately to govern the country till 2020. Enditem