Truemors
Caracas, Venezuela, 6 May 2008. Two days after the so-called "referendum", there is still uncertainty over its real outcome. Figures on turnout and invalid votes are not definite but they range from 48.3% to nearly 50%. Such figures and the findings of forge ballots have allowed the Evo Morales government to disdain the whole consultation. Furthermore, there is likely to have a disproval ruling of the consultation as illegal. The Santa Cruz "Referendum" was arranged without proper constitutional backing but it received a 80% "backing" of those who cared to vote.
However, its illegality does not mean it did not have a political impact on Bolivia and the region. Morales government has insisted on dialogue as a political solution to the crisis. However, it has also announced that the drafted socialist constitution would be voted as planned soon. According to Bolivian legislation, the draft constitution articles would be voted in two different referenda.
At a regional level, Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has warned over local separatists movements in the western regions of the country. The opposition has rejected such suggestion as baseless. On the other hand, Peace Nobel Prize winner, Adolfo Perez Esquivel has said the "referendum" intended to overthrow the legitimate government of Evo Morales.
Despite the fact that Santa Cruz is rather calm, five pro gvernment protestors remain in prison. It is still unclear what the "referendum" would change in Santa Cruz.
Sources: ABI, Telesur,BBCMundo, YVKE,
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