Constitutional Reform for Bolivia

Political activism is alive and well in Bolivia. In January, Bolivia held elections to determine whether the constitution should be amendeded. Granted, I've never been a strong political activist, but I enjoyed spending time with Erica who is, during this time. She has even been arrested for charging the senate floor during a protest. We both seemed frustrated though in deciding which side we should support. Bolivia's election was simply to vote yes or no on a number of constitutional amendments as a whole. I would have found it easier to vote on each issue separately, but that apparently is too complicated. In general, the amendments allow Bolivia to follow in Hugo Chavez's footsteps in decentralizion towards socialism and putting more power at the state level. The wealthy tend to favor "no" on the constitution, while the indigenous favor "yes". Granted Evo Morales is of indigenous background and the first Bolivian president with this heritage. He favors the poor and they love him. Many people voting no, voted no simply because they are against Morales. They feel that he is power hungry, not helping the people at all, but just creating alliances with Russia, Venezuela and Cuba for his own good. As much as I am for the indigenous, I would have voted "no" because I'm unclear how this referendum is good for Bolivia in the future.

Some of the amendments put more control of law in the hands of the local rule. This has recently been demonstrated when several hundred local indigenous set fire to the house of an opposition leader. The locals say that due to the constitution amendment, it is in their right to do so and evict people. Mob rule is gaining ground as many against the constitution feared. Although, Morales had hoped to unite the people of Bolivia, his constitution may very well divide it further between the wealthier landowners and the poor indigenous. Landowners are restricted in how much more land they can purchase as they now cap out at a maximum. I'm unclear of how land distribution back to the poor might happen and details are probably still in the works.

Other caveats, natural resources are now at the control of the state and new investments from foreign companies are not happening. In the long run, Bolivia may lose out on these future investments in their country. With the referendum, Morales can now stand for reelection for another year. This could possibly lead to a never ending rule year after year.

Both sides of the "yes" and "no" marched in full force through the streets of Cochabamba where I was at the time. Cochabamba was an interesting place to be because of its strong divide between the two segments. Although against the constitution, I rooted for the indigenous and their belief in having additional rights to support them. I just hope that Morales can find the common ground to reunite the people and really use his power to focus on his country's needs at this time.

After the election, Erica and I partied with the locals in the streets. Erica even made it on national television dancing away with an elder Bolivian man. The camera could not stop focusing on her and I enjoyed watching her on the big screen nearby. Being 6ft tall and blonde, she definitely stood out.

I will be interested to watch Bolivian politics continue to unfold. We don't even have a US ambassador in Bolivia because Morales thought he was conspiring with the CIA against him. Oh well, it's not like it hasn't happened in the past.