Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement:
"Bolivians deserve a free, fair and transparent election result. Canada is closely following events in Bolivia and calls on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid violence and polarizing rhetoric. We are deeply concerned by additional reports of serious election irregularities.
"These reports build on the preliminary conclusions of the Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observer Mission which found that the electoral process did not comply with international standards. Furthermore, the OAS has raised concerns over the unexplained 24 hour interruption in the disclosure of the election results.
"These issues cast serious doubt over the legitimacy of the results and it is not possible to accept the outcome under these circumstances.
"Ahead of this week's OAS Permanent Council meeting where this issue will be discussed, we join our international partners in calling for a second round of elections to restore credibility in the electoral process.
"Canada will continue to support the OAS elections observers in ensuring a fair and transparent process.
"Our priority is that the genuine democratic will of the Bolivian people be properly reflected by the results of this election."
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