The United Nations warned on Saturday that violence in Bolivia could "spin out of control" following recent skirmishes between security forces and coca farmers loyal to ousted President Evo Morales. 

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Morales resigned under pressure from Bolivia's police and military last Sunday after evidence of vote rigging tainted his October 20 election victory. He fled to Mexico two days after his resignation.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet warned escalating violence could usurp the democratic process. 

"I am concerned that the situation in Bolivia could spin out of control if the authorities do not handle it ... with full respect for human rights," Bachelet said in a statement. 

Uncertainties turn bloody

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights said on Saturday four more people had died in protests, raising the total number of victims in the political unrest to 23. 

The new deaths were announced after five protesters were killed in clashes with security forces on Friday in central Bolivia. 

In the capital city of La Paz, fear grows among the residents as looting and unrest continue. Government offices are closed, streets blocked, and many businesses remain shuttered. 

In Potosi in south Bolivia, the situation was even more critical. Protestors burned the house of Victor Borda, president of the Chamber of Deputies, and took his brother hostage, which forced him to resign.

The violence also adds to growing unrest in neighboring Chile. Ecuador, Venezuela and Argentina have also seen widespread strikes, protests and riots in recent months. 

Thus, UN envoy Jean Arnault said a team would hold meetings with politicians and social groups beginning Sunday to end the violence and push for "free and transparent elections."

Election talk 

Though the capital La Paz was largely calm on Saturday, lingering highway blockades prompted panic on the streets, with many rushing to hoard groceries as supplies ran low and prices rose. 

Increasing unrest and a spiraling body count prompted Morales to strike a more conciliatory tone with the government of Anez in recent days. 

"For the sake of democracy ... I have no problem not taking part in new elections," Morales said in an interview in Mexico City. 

Anez, meanwhile, has moved quickly away from Morales' leftist rule and foreign policy. 

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On Friday, Bolivia asked Venezuelan officials to leave the country. The Andean nation also accused Cuba, once a close ally, of stoking unrest following Morales' resignation. 

A Cubana airlines plane arrived in Bolivia Saturday to take home hundreds of Cuban doctors.

(Cover: A supporter of former Bolivian President Evo Morales reacts during a protest in La Paz, Bolivia, November 14, 2019. /VCG Photo)

(With input from agencies)