ExPresident Morales returns to Bolivia after a year in exile

Former President Evo Morales returned to Bolivia on Monday after a year in exile and a day after new leftist President Luis Arce took office.

Morales stepped onto Bolivian soil from neighbouring Argentina on Monday where he was greeted by supporters.

Before crossing the border into Bolivia, Morales was accompanied by his political ally, Argentine President Alberto Fernández.

Fernandez told Morales he was going to be missed and was critical of the way Morales was treated in Bolivia.

Morales was forced to resign following disputed vote results, protests, violence and a military call for him to go.

Since winning election, Arce has downplayed speculation of a major role in his administration for Morales, whose popularity was dented in his final years as president by a refusal to accept term limits and by perceived growing authoritarianism.