La Paz, February 20 (RHC)-- The president of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Bolivia (TSE), Salvador Romero, reported that former President Evo Morales will not be allowed to participate in the 2020 general elections, which will be held on May 3rd.

During a press conference in La Paz, Romero told reporters that Morales did not meet the permanent residency requirements to be a Senate candidate for his Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, which is currently leading in the polls.

The candidacy of former Foreign Minister Diego Pary, as the candidate of the MAS party for senator in the Potosi region, was also disqualified on the same grounds.

Following the press conference in the Bolivia capital, Evo Morales responded on his Twitter account.  He said that the TSE's decision was "a blow against democracy."   He emphasized that he met all the requirements that were requested of him in order to participate as a candidate for senator in the upcoming general elections.