The president of Bolivia Evo Morales has resigned amid a dispute over his re-election.
President Morales announced his resignation on Monday after sustained pressure for him to do so.
Among those who had urged him to step down was the head of the Bolivian military.
"We suggest the president of the state renounce his presidential mandate, allowing peace to be restored and stability maintained for the good of our Bolivia," army chief Kaliman advised the president.
In his speech, Morales said he had taken the dramatic decision so as to to protect families from chaos.
He urged protesters to stop engaging in violence and the destruction of property.
“I want to tell you, brothers and sisters, that the fight does not end here,”Morales said in his resignation speech.
“The poor, the social movements, will continue in this fight for equality and peace. It hurts a lot,” he added.
Morales has been in power for 14 years.
It was not immediately clear who would take over the reins of presidential power after the dramatic resignation.
The Organization of American States had pushed for an audit of the polls that culminated in the 're-election' of Morales.