Bolivians in two more opposition-controlled states went to polls on Sunday for their autonomy after a referendum approved the autonomy of Santa Cruz last month, local reports reaching here said.
The referendums in Beni and Pando, which could easily pass, are described by President Evo Morales' government as "unconstitutional" attempts to further divide the country.
"It's not a problem of autonomy," Morales said Sunday. "The problem is that they can't accept that an Indian from the countryside is their president."
About 134,468 people in Beni and 28,990 in Pando, the regions with a more mixed-race population, could cast ballots in the opposition-organized votes, which triggered fierce clashes between supporters of the government and the opposition. At least 20 people were injured on Monday morning.
Government supporters reportedly burnt voting boxes and election-related materials in Pando and about 70 farmers blocked a highway in Beni to disrupt the election.
Bolivia's wealthy state Santa Cruz declared autonomy on May 4 after a similar vote which the Electoral National Court said was "illegal."
The referendum was marred by violence which left at least one person dead and 30 others injured.
The rightist opposition is seeking through the referendums more economic and political powers, such as keeping cattle ranches and soy plantations from expropriation under Morales' land reform or holding a bigger share of natural gas reserves.
The Organization of American States and many Latin American governments are also opposed to the autonomy referendums, but Bolivian opposition leaders say the process is "irreversible."
Another state Tarija is scheduled to hold the autonomy vote on June 22.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article