BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia's former President Evo Morales on Tuesday said he had a right to remain politically active even though he will not compete as a presidential candidate in upcoming elections in his country.
"What I want are free, sound and transparent elections. I am not going to be a candidate but I have a right to be involved in politics. As long as I am alive, I will remain politically active in service to, and as a sacrifice for, the poorest," Morales said at a press conference in Argentina's capital.
Morales, who resigned after weeks of opposition protests against his re-election to a fourth term, first flew to Mexico and then arrived in Argentina, which both offered him refuge.
The interim government that took over in Bolivia has called for elections and Morales' Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party named him campaign chief on Dec. 7, during an extraordinary national party congress.
Morales, who landed in Buenos Aires on Thursday, said being closer to his country had helped to raise his spirits and he was "motivated to contribute to the campaign."
