Police guards outside the presidential palace in Bolivia have left their posts, allowing anti-government protesters to walk up to the doors of the building.
President Evo Morales was not in the building when police retreated on Saturday in a sign of growing discontent among security forces after a disputed election.
In other parts of the capital, Bolivians also applauded and cheered officers who hung posters reading, "The police are with the people."
Signs of growing dissension came a day after police in various regions broke ranks and rioted amid ongoing unrest since the Oct. 20 election that has left at least three people dead and more than 300 injured.
Morales, who has been in power for almost 14 years, declared himself the outright winner of the vote before official results showed he obtained just enough support to avoid a runoff with ex-President Carlos Mesa.
A 24-hour lapse in releasing the vote tally also fueled allegations of fraud by the opposition.
(Source: AP)