With a new constitution, the country’s at breaking point
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M. Chuquimia When Bolivia's constitutional assembly approved the draft of the new charter, the effects were immediate. declared themselves autonomous on Saturday, and huge crowds took to the streets . At the same time, tens of thousands of Morales fans, most of them followers of the MAS (Movement Toward Socialism) party, marched in the streets of the country's administrative capital, La Paz, in support of the change (see photos). Torn by the division between a large American Indian population and a wealthy minority, South America's poorest country is in crisis. Our observers follow the events.
M. Chuquimia
When Bolivia's constitutional assembly approved the draft of the new charter, the effects were immediate. Four provinces declared themselves autonomous on Saturday, and huge crowds took to the streets to protest against the constitutional reform. At the same time, tens of thousands of Morales fans, most of them followers of the MAS (Movement Toward Socialism) party, marched in the streets of the country's administrative capital, La Paz, in support of the change (see photos). Torn by the division between a large American Indian population and a wealthy minority, South America's poorest country is in crisis. Our observers follow the events.
Celebrating the new constitution in the streets of La Paz
Mario Durán Chuquimia, our observer in La Paz, attended the pro-constitution celebrations in La Paz on Saturday.
Images: M. Chuquimia
Everyone was dressed up in regional costume at the procession. There were endless red, white and green ponchos and whipalaspalliris [miners' wives]. Everyone was shouting ‘Thank you for bringing life back to our mines, Evo Morales!'.[multicoloured flags from the pre-colonial era]. The Omauyus peasants [from the north of La Paz] marched like they did to Santa Cruz, draped in the tricolour flag. The miners were also in force, with their helmets and palliris [miners' wives]. Everyone was shouting ‘Thank you for bringing life back to our mines, Evo Morales!'.
Every time a group passed by, we heard them cheer ‘Viva !' in honour of the new constitution."
Written 16 December 2007
Post your questions to Mario Durán Chuquimia, our observer in Bolivia.
Celebrating autonomy in Santa Cruz
The blogger Willy Anders describes the atmosphere in Santa Cruz, in the eastern part of the country, where people are celebrating after the governor announced autonomy for the region.
Santa Cruz is preparing to become an independent region. But tensions are high and we are uncertain of what will happen next. According to rumours here, access to Santa Cruz might be blockaded. However, what is certain is that today, we're celebrating our independence.
The whole town is here to see this great event, which will make history for our region [the richest in the country] and for all of Bolivia. In exchange, the government tried to push for the promise of a referendum on the new constitution [...]. Each side says it's working for the good of the country. Me, I support regional independence, peace, and democracy."
Written 15 December 2007
Post your questions to Willy Andres Ortega, our observer in Bolivia
In Sucre, the capital, they sing the national anthem and cheer for their independence.
Posted 14 December 2007