The accusations leveled against him involved alleged embezzlement, but Lasso claims they were politically motivated.

By invoking a constitutional clause known as "muerte cruzada" (mutual death), he has disbanded the National Assembly and called for early elections.

Lasso will govern by decree for up to six months before the new elections take place.

The unprecedented use of "muerte cruzada" is expected to spark protests from opposition groups who argue that the president is undermining democracy. (ILKHA)