Bolivia army units mobilise in capital amid coup fears

"The three chiefs of the armed forces have come to express our dismay. There will be a new cabinet of ministers, surely things will change but our country cannot continue like this any longer," General Juan Jose Zuniga told a local TV station.

Morales, who has publicly split with Arce although both belong to the same socialist movement, announced a national mobilisation of his supporters to back democracy.

Soldiers have appeared outside the Bolivian presidential palace in Plaza Murillo in La Paz. (AP PHOTO)

He accused Zuniga of seeking to stage a coup and announced a general work stoppage including a call to block roadways.

Morales said: "We will not allow the armed forces to violate democracy and intimidate people."