Bolivia: Moreles loses at Chuquisaca

Caracas, Venezuela, 29 June 2008. Pro Evo Morales candidate lost in Prefect- governor- local elections held today at Chuquisaca. Opposition candidate,45 year old Savina Cuellar from Alianza Comité Interinstitucional, has won with more than 55% of the votes so far. pro government candidate Walter Valda only got 44% of the votes. Official total results would only be published on Tuesday.   

After learning of her victory, Cuellar proposed  referendum to allow power transfer fron La Paz to Sucre. Cuellar was a former member of Evo Morales party (MAS); she left it after 2006 after her proposal to turn Sucre as capital city again fell in deaf ears within MAS.

Analysts are divided over the interpretation of this electoral victory for the opposition. Some argue it is a further loss for President Evo Morales who is currently facing revolt with other prefects. Other think this is not a major loss as Evo Morales would regain legitimacy at the national referendum in August.

Prior to elections three students were detained with dynamite near the local electoral body. According to Telesur, opposition leader Jorge Tuto Quiroga rapidly appeared at the scene.  

Sources: ABI, Telesur, BBC Mundo, VTV, Globovision, YVKE, .