Bolivia referendum of Aug. 10, 2008
Bolivia has been going through rough times lately with the rise of an "autonomist" movement in the South-Eastern departments (referred to as the "media luna", as they form a crescent shape). Led by the department of Santa Cruz, it stands out as a strong challenge to Evo Morales´ government:
-from a political point of view, it represents the conservative, neo-liberal right of "Podemos" party against the...
more »Bolivia referendum of Aug. 10, 2008
Bolivia has been going through rough times lately with the rise of an "autonomist" movement in the South-Eastern departments (referred to as the "media luna", as they form a crescent shape). Led by the department of Santa Cruz, it stands out as a strong challenge to Evo Morales´ government:
-from a political point of view, it represents the conservative, neo-liberal right of "Podemos" party against the socialist, revolutionary left of the MAS (Movimiento Al Socialismo);
-from an economical point of view, the "media luna" concentrates the natural gas and agrobusiness which are Bolivia most valuables resources;
-from a cultural and social standpoint, it symbolizes the gap between the rich, white, educated people from the plains and the poor indians (Aymara and Quechua) from the altiplano.
The radicalisation of both sides was threatening to block the country. Autonomist departments organized local referendums, without any recognition by the State. Ultimately, the government decided to promote a curious referendum: referendum revocatorio. On Aug. 10, 2008, voters were able to revoke the governors of each department, as well as the president and vice-president, if they get a negative score higher than the score they got elected with. E.g. Morales needs at least 47.3% of "SI" to remain in place, and more than 53.7% of "NO" to be removed. The challenge is much tougher for the governors, since none of them was elected with more than 50% of the votes.
The Independence Day, on Aug. 6th, was a test for the government and it demonstrated the tensions with clashes in Suvre and Tarija, and parades turning into campaign rallies.
With almost 67% of the votes, the population of Santa Cruz showed its support for their prefecto, Ruben Costas, while 60% rejected Morales government. However, Morales also claimed victory with more than 67% of the overall country approving his administration.
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