From his political stronghold in the Chapare region, guarded by followers armed with sticks behind barricades, former Bolivian president Evo Morales defends his candidacy and himself against accusations of human trafficking. He blames the current government, the nation's right wing politicians, corrupt media and the west for his persecution. "There is no legal basis to disqualify me. The only thing they could do is take our lives — which they've already tried," says Morales. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES