Opponent to offer Bolivia president 'resignation letter' to sign

• A lead opponent of Bolivian President Evo Morales vowed Wednesday to hand him a resignation letter to sign.
• His arrival was scheduled at 3:30 pm (1930 GMT).
• The country saw numerous military uprisings and dictatorships before civilian rule was established in 1982.

LA PAZ: A lead opponent of Bolivian President Evo Morales vowed Wednesday to hand him a resignation letter to sign, raising pressure on the leftist leader over claims he rigged his re-election.

More than two weeks since the vote result sparked angry protests, Santa Cruz region opposition leader Luis Fernando Camacho vowed to fly to the capital La Paz to press Morales to quit.

His arrival was scheduled at 3:30 pm (1930 GMT).

Protesters blocked streets in La Paz, including the central Avenida Camacho a few blocks from the government headquarters.

In the central city of Cochabamba, violent clashes broke out between supporters and opponents of Morales, local media reported.

Camacho, 40, a conservative opposition leader in the eastern Santa Cruz region, has threatened to drive Morales out and called for the military's backing.

Morales addressed a navy ceremony on Wednesday, insisting that the military must "serve the people" and support his government.

The armed forces have so far stayed neutral in the electoral dispute but calling on the military is a delicate move in Bolivia.

The country saw numerous military uprisings and dictatorships before civilian rule was established in 1982.

Morales, 60, is looking to remain in power until 2025 with a fourth term after taking legal action to get round term limits.

His win in the October 20 election was ratified by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal -- but only after an abrupt shift in the vote count in his favor.

His opponents have branded the result a fraud. Carlos Mesa, who ran against Morales in the polls, has called for a new vote to be held.

Deadly unrest has gripped the South American country since the election results.

The interior minister last week said two demonstrators were killed in clashes.

Opponents of Morales have occupied public buildings in Santa Cruz and blocked streets in various cities.

Interior Minister Carlos Romero said there would be a "security presence" to protect Camacho in La Paz.

Camacho tried to enter La Paz on Tuesday but was blocked from leaving the airport by Morales supporters, many of them wielding sticks.