In Bolivia mass indigenous-led protests calling for the nationalization of the government continue. Late last night departing President Carlos Mesa called for immediate general elections to pick his replacement. He warned “The country is on the verge of a civil war.” Mesa added “By holding elections, we will avoid loss of human life. We will avoid violence that affects us all.” Earlier in the day, tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of La Paz. For the first time since the mass protests began, soldiers armed with rifles were patrolling the streets.