Bolivian Sen. Jeanine Áñez declares herself interim president after Morales exit

Jeanine Áñez. Photo by Javier Mamani/Getty Images)

A senior U.S. State Department official welcomed conservative Bolivian opposition Sen. Jeanine Áñez's declaration Tuesday that she's the country's interim president following the departure of Evo Morales.

Why it matters: Former President Evo Morales left Bolivia in a political vacuum after resigning amid protests against his disputed October election win. There were clashes between his supporters and anti-Morales protesters on the streets of the capital when he left for Mexico on Monday night after accepting the country's offer of political asylum.

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"Acting Senate President Añez has assumed responsibilities of Interim Constitutional President of Bolivia. We look forward to working with her & Bolivia’s other civilian authorities as they arrange free & fair elections as soon as possible, in accordance w/ Bolivia’s constitution."

Michael Kozak, acting assistant secretary for U.S. State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

What's happening: Bolivia's Constitutional Court endorsed Áñez's declaration, which lawmakers from Morales' party object, per the BBC, which reports that the exiled leader reacted to the news by calling her "a coup-mongering right-wing senator."

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

Go deeper: Bolivia unrest: What you need to know