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Peaceful
Atmosphere in Bolivian Elections
La Paz, Dec 6, (PL).-
After meeting with Bolivian President Evo
Morales on Saturday, international observers
noted the peaceful atmosphere in this South
American country before the general elections.
According to
Colombian observer Horacio Serpa, who heads the
mission of the Organization of American States
(OAS), Sunday's elections are expected to be
calm and democratic.
The OAS mission "welcomes the Bolivian election
because it shows the maturity of democracy among
citizens," Serpa stressed.
He pointed out that although minor incidents
have been reported in some regions of the
country, which he described as episodic, they do
not characterize the process.
On Sunday, some five million Bolivians,
including 170,000 emigrants in four countries (Spain,
Brazil, Argentina and the United States) will
elect the president and the vice president of
the country among eight candidates, and all 166
members of the Plurinational Legislative
Assembly.
At the same time, five departments will hold a
referendum on autonomy and the province of Gran
Chaco (Tarija) will vote on region autonomy.
Moreover, 12 municipalities will hold a
referendum on indigenous autonomy (Huacaya,
Tarabuco, Villa Mojocoya, Charazani, Jesús de
Machaca, Chipaya, San Pedro de Totora, Pampa
Aullagas, Salinas de Garci Mendoza, Curahuara de
Carangas, Chayanta and Charagua). |
