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Bolivia: A House Divided |
Bolivia is on edge after more than 80% of voters in the resource-rich Santa Cruz region approved a referendum for greater autonomy. President Evo Morales, who has met with stiff opposition in his attempt to more evenly distribute Bolivia's wealth, dismissed the referendum as illegal. Nevertheless, he has promised to open dialogue with the opposition. Class issues are at the heart of the tension.
Mr Morales has promised radical reforms that he hopes will lead Bolivia, the poorest country in South America, out of poverty.
Leaders in Santa Cruz - home to about 25% of Bolivia's population - have demanded more local control over their resources. They feel threatened by a draft constitution that proposes to limit large land holdings.
The proposals voted on in Sunday's poll include giving Santa Cruz more control over land distribution - and rich oil and gas reserves. They also provide for the creation of a local police force.
Clearly Morales is in a tight spot. The wealth generated by the southern regions is vital to his ambitions as president, but his attempts at reform are swelling the enthusiasm for autonomy proportionally.
As the situation develops, Morales will be forced to cede greater autonomy to the regions; a refusal to do so would push Boliva over the brink. Less certain is the amount of autonomy Morales is willing to grant as he attempts to appease dissidents in Santa Cruz, and how his espoused vision of autonomy will reconcile with that proposed in the referendum:
It remains to be seen if Morales' version will approach what is desired by the wealthy southern regions. If their politicians are resolute, Morales' vision for Bolivia's future may be irreparably compromised.



