Bolivian separatist prefects refuse to confront recall referenda

Caracas, Venezuela, 24 June 2008. Bolivian separatist prefects from Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando, Cochaanba and Tarija decided not to attend the recall referenda due on 10 August 2008. On the contrary, they urged President Evo Morales to call for early general elections. In addition, they asked him for political negotiation from 1 July 2008.

This decision buy separatist prefects has drawn many criticism. In Bolivia pro government political sectors have considered it as politically inappropriate. They warned separatist prefects such decision could cause legal charges for disobeying the electoral law that called for the recalled referenda. President Evo Morales said their decision was due to a desire to hide corruption in their local government administration.    On the other hand, OAS General Secretary Jose Miguel Inzulsa said the decision taken by prefects was a drawback in the way to solve the current crisis.

By refusing to confront the challenge of a national recall referenda and calling for an early general election, separatists try to secure their much debated victory over local private consultation on autonomy.  

Sources: La Razon, Los Tiempos, El Diario, El Deber, Correo del Sur, VTV, BBC Mundo,

Related stories: Bolivia: Tarija held "referendum" with low turnout, Evo Morales fears civil confrontation in Bolivia (updated), Bolivia: Beni and Pando to celebrate illegal separatist consultation tomorrow