Bolivia in crisis as resource-rich region demands greater autonomy.

Nick 0208 Ldn · 4th May 2008, 15:21

Bolivia's eastern region of Santa Cruz is holding an unofficial referendum on plans to give it more autonomy from central government.

The authorities in La Paz have declared the vote illegal, and say they will ignore the results.

Voting has so far been peaceful, but correspondents say the poll is threatening to split the country.

Many in what is Bolivia's richest province are critical of left-wing President Evo Morales.

President Morales has promised radical reforms that he hopes will lead Bolivia, the poorest country in South America, out of poverty.

He is backed by the country's large indigenous community, but many in the oil and gas-rich eastern provinces oppose his policies.

Fears of violence

Leaders in Santa Cruz - home to about 25% of Bolivia's population - have demanded more control over their resources.

They feel threatened by a draft constitution that proposes to limit large land holdings.

The BBC's South America correspondent, Daniel Schweimler, says there is little doubt that Santa Cruz residents will agree overwhelmingly to more distance from the central government.

The question, our correspondent adds, is what happens next. Three other eastern provinces have said they too will vote on greater autonomy.

Though the vote has fuelled fears of violence, the government has ruled out sending security forces and has asked indigenous groups and other government supporters not to interfere.

Opposition to Mr Morales stems from a reform programme that would grant greater powers and a bigger share of Bolivia's land and resources to the country's indigenous majority.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7382538.stm

4th May 2008, 15:21	#1 (permalink)
Nick 0208 Ldn First Team Sub Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Britanniae ~ It's good to ship. :) Posts: 5,165	Bolivia in crisis as resource-rich region demands greater autonomy. Bolivia's eastern region of Santa Cruz is holding an unofficial referendum on plans to give it more autonomy from central government. The authorities in La Paz have declared the vote illegal, and say they will ignore the results. Voting has so far been peaceful, but correspondents say the poll is threatening to split the country. Many in what is Bolivia's richest province are critical of left-wing President Evo Morales. President Morales has promised radical reforms that he hopes will lead Bolivia, the poorest country in South America, out of poverty. He is backed by the country's large indigenous community, but many in the oil and gas-rich eastern provinces oppose his policies. Fears of violence Leaders in Santa Cruz - home to about 25% of Bolivia's population - have demanded more control over their resources. They feel threatened by a draft constitution that proposes to limit large land holdings. The BBC's South America correspondent, Daniel Schweimler, says there is little doubt that Santa Cruz residents will agree overwhelmingly to more distance from the central government. The question, our correspondent adds, is what happens next. Three other eastern provinces have said they too will vote on greater autonomy. Though the vote has fuelled fears of violence, the government has ruled out sending security forces and has asked indigenous groups and other government supporters not to interfere. Opposition to Mr Morales stems from a reform programme that would grant greater powers and a bigger share of Bolivia's land and resources to the country's indigenous majority. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7382538.stm