Fourth Bolivian state hosts referendum vote on autonomy from central government

[struggle4progress]

Source: Associated Press

Published: June 22, 2008

TARIJA, Bolivia: Natural gas-rich Tarija could become the fourth Bolivian state to declare autonomy from the central government of leftist President Evo Morales in a referendum vote Sunday.

The measure was expected to pass by a broad majority, just as it has in three states that previously held autonomy votes. Morales has called the referendums illegal attempts to cripple his government.

Polls opened without major problems, though there were delays at some and low turnout was expected because of cold temperatures, local authorities said. Peasant supporters of Morales blocked roads to two small towns but failed to disrupt the voting, said Miguel Angel Guzman, president of the state electoral court.

Tarija, in the border region with Argentina and Paraguay 400 miles (650 kilometers) south of the capital, La Paz, has 85 percent of Bolivia's natural gas reserves, the nation's main export. Tarija and other states want more control over the revenues, which Morales said should be shared with poorer regions in the west. The states also want to protect their farms and ranches from Morales' proposed land reform ...


Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/06/22/news/Bolivia-Referendum.php

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Bolivia Readies Confidence Vote

La Paz, June 21 (Prensa Latina) The Bolivian government opens today its campaign for a referendum of support for the President and Vice President of the Republic, and eight departmental governors, to be held August 10th.

In a meeting with the foreign press last Thursday, Evo Morales announced the ceremony will take place in Petrolero Stadium, in the central city of Cochabamba.

The program supporting the ratification of the first indigenous leader in the history of this Andean nation will be favored by transformations made by the present administration on health-care, education and other social policies ...

http://www.radionuevitas.co.cu/web_english/news/world_220608_3.asp

Bolivians Agree with President’s Policies
June 22, 2008

... Polling Data

Do you agree or disagree with the continuity of the process of change spearheaded by Evo Morales and Álvaro García Linera?

Agree 56%
Disagree 37%
Not sure 7%

Source: Ipsos Apoyo, Opinión y Mercado
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 Bolivian adults in La Paz, El Alto, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, conducted in May 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/31033/bolivians_agree_with_presidentaas_policies

[tom_paine]

1. The Bushies and their CIA Pyoppers and murderers have been busy.

and why not? Who is going to stop them?

Nancy Capitulosi? :rofl: Harry "Bushies, what do you need?" Reid? :rofl:

[David__77]

2. The referendum is a wonderful idea.

It will freeze the laughter of the elites and fascists who are trying to provoke a coup. Morales better have contingency plans for every scenario.