BOLIVIANS chanting in support of President Luis Arce rallied outside his palace today, denouncing an abortive coup attempt that had threatened to pitch the country into political turmoil.

The nation watched in shock and bewilderment on Wednesday as military forces appeared to turn on Mr Arce’s government, seizing control of the capital’s main square with armoured personnel carriers, crashing a tank into the presidential palace and firing tear gas at protesters.

The president awoke today to supporters raising signs in favour of democracy and condemning the now ousted Bolivian army chief, General Juan Jose Zuniga, who led Wednesday’s thwarted coup.