We recognize the importance of Bolivia’s political transition to democracy in our hemisphere, and we admire the Bolivian people for standing up for their constitution, their democracy, and for free, fair, and transparent elections.

Those who participated in the egregious irregularities and manipulation of the vote in the flawed October 20 election must, for the good of Bolivia, step aside and let Bolivians rebuild their institutions. Bolivians of every political party deserve to have their voices heard in an electoral process that respects the rights of all citizens. That happens at the ballot box, not by violence.

We support robust press freedoms and peaceful assembly and protest. Violence, repression, and political intimidation have no place in a democracy. We call on all parties to refrain from such violence, to observe the rule of law, and to respect the rights of all citizens to participate in building Bolivia’s future, whatever their views. Security services must respect the rights of peaceful protestors, and the Bolivian authorities must ensure accountability for any violations of the right of citizens.

We call on Bolivia’s Plurinational Legislative Assembly to support efforts to seat a new Supreme Electoral Tribunal in order to pave the way for all Bolivians to participate as soon as possible in truly free and fair elections that reflect their will.

We call on legislators of all parties, on all Bolivians, and on international partners of goodwill to work together to support a transition in accordance with Bolivia’s own constitutional standards and the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

We pledge our support to the Bolivian people and to the transitional government led by President Jeanine Anez as they prepare for these elections.