Even though Morales is gone, unrest in Bolivia continues.

Some indigenous Bolivians are protesting the new government and calling for Morales to return while others are happy to see him gone.

Bolivia is a country where more than 40% of its population is indigenous. Evo Morales was the first indigenous president in Bolivian history,  so his sudden departure has particular meaning for the indigenous community.

Indigenous Bolivians, however, do not all share the same view of Evo Morales. Some admire him while others have been deeply disappointed by his nearly 14-year rule.

CGTN’s Stephen Gibbs spoke with indigenous people about the former president and the legacy he left behind.

In a crowded market place, Rosa, 56, who was selling everything from spanners to shampoo in her roadside stall, said she was sad that the former president had gone.

“It was good in these last 14 years”, she said. “He helped the elderly and the children. We didn’t have that before”.

But just a few meters away, Maria, 52, who runs a shop selling the traditional clothes worn by the indigenous community, did not share the same positive view about the ex-president “Thank God he has gone”, she said. 

She claimed those close to the president did well, while others stayed poor. “There they are with their luxury cars while those of us who have worked for years can’t possibly buy any car”, she said.

So what was it that led Evo Morales, proudly indigenous, to lose the crucial support of his base?

Mario Chincha Gutiérrez Curaca, 52, the Mayor of the Qhara Qhara Nación, said many indigenous leaders’ faith in the president was diminished when they saw him repeatedly seeking to extend his period in office, something he argued was against their ancient traditions.

“He wanted to be the sole leader: like a God, a King, And that does not work. You have to cooperate with everyone in a plurinational state”, he said.

Morales is now in exile in Mexico. 

Interim president Áñez has approved legislation that annuls October’s presidential election and limits presidents to serving two terms, barring Morales from being able to run again.

A date for a new general election has not been set yet.