Bolivia: Beni and Pando to celebrate illegal separatist consultation tomorrow

Caracas, Venezuela, 31 May 2008. Tomorrow, both Bolivian regions of Beni and Pando intend to celebrate private consultations- called "referenda" - in an attempt to justify their separatist aspirations from current socialist central government led by Evo Morales. The official stand is rejection to the autonomous statues proposed by the prefects of Eastern Provinces or Media Luna. However, Evo Morales´ administration does back legal autonomy as enacted in a constitution. The Government is willing to negotiate the terms of autonomy initially proposed in the drafted socialist constitution which approval by two refernda is pending. Bolivian Vice President, Álvaro García Linera, hinted on the possibility to ammend the constitution drafted by a National Assembly and approved at Oruro. There is no consensus among the governing party members, MAS, over this procedure though.

Tomorrow´s consultation of the opposition has not received the technical or financial assistance from the national electoral body as it is illegal. No international observer would oversee the private consultation either. Furthermore, 12 out of 15 Pando Mayors did not approve the consultation. Thus, its outcome would no doubt lack legitimacy just like the Santa Cruz "referendum".  

The Evo Morales call for negotiations with the opposition failed. It has not attended the multi sector talks last week. But, there is a national recall referendum pending. Its results seems to be the main and peaceful way out of the crisis created by separatists of the Eastern Bolivian provinces o Media Luna.  As consultation approaches there is a mounting pressure at both Pando and Beni.

More news to come...

Sources: ABI, Telesur, Unionradio, Correo del Sur, VTV, FIDES, Los Tiempos, El Diario, La Razón, El Deber, BBC,

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