Bolivian Congress to Vote on Constituency Reshuffle

As Bolivians prepare to choose a new President this December, a controversial redistricting plan may initially postpone, and eventually sway the outcome of, the elections.

Meanwhile the United States builds its presence in the region ahead of the simultaneous Bolivian presidential and Venezuelan National Assembly elections .

One thing is certain…the U.S. Government is not thrilled with the idea of Evo Morales and the MAS coming to power. If you’re concerned about U.S. intervention in South America, keep a keen eye on these developments.

Bolivian Congress to Vote on Constituency Reshuffle

La Paz, Oct 12 (Prensa Latina) Bolivia´s Congress will vote on a redistricting dispute triggered by a Constitutional Court ruling, which holds the scheduled December 4 general elections in suspense.

“The vote will be taken on Wednesday and Thursday this week,” if the Legislature fails to agree on a solution to modify the electoral regulation, said House Speaker Sandro Giordano.

The House discussed a request from eastern Santa Cruz region on Tuesday, to increase its representation based on the 2001 census that showed an increase in the number of inhabitants and economic development.

The proposal would affect La Paz, Oruro and Potosi, which insist this change not be implemented until the 2010 elections.

In essence it reduces La Paz´ power from 34 to 30 seats, Posoti’s from 18 to 17, and Oruro’s from 13 to 12, but it benefits rich Santa Cruz with four new places(to the 25 existing) and Cochabamba with one over the 22 it has.

Such redistribution also favors Neoliberal candidates Jorge Quiroga and Samuel Doria Medina, but goes against Movement towards Socialism (MAS) leader, and favored candidate, Evo Morales.

Local analysts believe that large power groups want to give the rightwing more electoral weight, while allowing…

Posted by OCoileain
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