The Movement Toward Socialism succeeded in the latest debate concerning a new constitution for Bolivia. MAS emerged from a well organized social and trade union movement that holds the support of the poor, rural, indigenous population. The January 25th referendum passed with over sixty percent of the vote. Its approval will empower the indigenous majority with documented rights, provide levels of regional autonomy, allow state sovereignty of most natural resources, and limit land ownership to 12,000 acres. Upon signing the charter, President Evo Morales stated, "This is the second independence, the true liberation of Bolivia. It protects all Bolivians and excludes no one."
However, MAS is still vehemently opposed in the eastern lowland regions of Santa Cruz, Tarija, Beni and Pando. Morales' Movement lacks both constituent and leader support in the Orient as well as a majority in the upper house. Therefore MAS will struggle to make the constitution operational. Now complicated by the global recession, the political conflict is likely to continue. The poorest country in South America relies on the exportation of oil, gas, zinc, and tin. While the global economy recesses, the commodity prices, demand, and remittances have all declined in Bolivia. Although Morales will now struggle to deliver social improvements to his supporters, he comments, "You can take me from the presidential palace, you can kill me, (but) the mission has been accomplished for the refounding of Bolivia."
[photos courtesy of Boston Globe's photojournalist perspective]
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