“Events Could Turn Bloody” in Bolivia

By Victor Ray Garza
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

SANTA CRUZ PROVINCE, Bolivia -- Opponents of the government of Evo Morales have vowed to escalate their protests if he continues to push for constitutional reforms.  Morales recently withstood a referendum on his administration by gaining the support of 67% of the voters.  He has called his victory a mandate.  Morales expressed his intent to use the momentum gained to continue to push his leftist agenda.

The Movement for Socialism party (MAS), led by Morales, seeks to call a referendum on Bolivia’s constitution.    The party’s goal is to create a stronger central government and to increase the rights of Bolivia’s majority indigenous population.   

Clashes between radical conservative groups such as the Unión Juvenil Cruceñista and government police forces have increased since the referendum on Morales was held in August.  Antigovernment protesters are already angry over Morales’ latest redistribution program.  The Bolivian government wants to begin to funnel natural gas profits into a pension plan for those over 60.  The antigovernment protesters see the program as another step towards Bolivia becoming a socialist state.

The opposing sides represent what has been called the “two Bolivia’s”.  The two Bolivia’s highlight the geographical and ethnic splits that continually threaten stability in the country.  The eastern coastal areas of Bolivia are led by the wealthy, landed elite of the country. These eastern coastal areas contain the majority of the country’s vast natural gas reserves and prime cattle producing lands.  These opponents seek to return to a form of federal government that provides for more regional autonomy. The opposition has accused Morales of trying to take their wealth.

The government is currently led by the MAS party.  The party represents and is comprised of Bolivia’s majority Quechua and Aymara Indians of the western Andean region of the country.  They seek to institute reforms to insure their rights in Bolivia’s constitution.  Morales characterized his opposition as only being concerned with money.

The antigovernment protesters have recently begun to increase the number and severity of their demonstrations.  They have become more organized and are becoming paramilitary in their appearance.  They now carry flags and their own riot gear to protest.  The protesters have threatened to take back the natural gas pipelines by force.  As of now the protests have remained controlled but opposition leaders have promised bloodshed if Morales continues with his reforms. 

For more information, please see:

The Observer-- Bolivia split in two as the wealthy aim to defy the Morales revolution-- 24 August 2008

Boston Globe-- Clashes erupt over president in Bolivia –- 20 August 2008

CNN International-- Bolivians Strike for share of natural gas profits --23 August 2008