Small gains for Bolivia's Morales in state votes

Small gains for Bolivia's Morales in state votes
Published Date: April 06, 2010

LA PAZ: Allies of leftist President Evo Morales made modest advances in state and local elections on Sunday, according to independent exit polls. Morales and his Movement Toward Socialism campaigned hard in opposition controlled eastern provinces where resistance is strongest to the central government's redistribution of land and wealth.

Pro-government candidates for governor had comfortable leads in five out of nine state races, according to exit polls released by television broadcasters ATB and Unitel. The first official results were due today. Those victories would consolidate Morales' control over La Paz and Cochabamba states, where elected opposition governors were temporarily replaced in 2008 after challenging the president to a recall referendum and losing.

But opposition candidates held on to at least three of four closely contested states there, according to the exit polls, which showed a near-tie in the northern state of Pando. Pre-election polls had shown seven statehouses within Morales' reach.

The president acknowledged some disappointment, while challenging opponents to collaborate with the government. "The opposition should understand that this process of change is unstoppable," Morales said. "If they don't join it then at least contribute so that the people win." But incumbent Gov. Ruben Costas of Santa Cruz celebrated his re-election in stark terms.

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Page last updated at 11:13 GMT, Monday, 5 April 2010 12:13 UK
Bolivia's Evo Morales claims regional poll success

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk.nyud.net:8090/media/images/47588000/jpg/_47588251_-9.jpg

President Evo Morales comfortably
won re-election himself in December

Bolivian President Evo Morales has hailed his party's success in regional elections but exit polls suggest he has suffered some setbacks.

Pro-government candidates were on course to win in five out of nine provinces, with one too close to call.

But the opposition seemed set to keep three eastern provinces, which contain much of Bolivia's natural resources.

Pro-government candidates won mayoral elections in three major cities but lost in La Paz, the seat of government.

Sunday's elections were for more than 2,500 provincial and local authorities.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8603299.stm

Bolivian president praises massive participation in regional elections
16:27, April 05, 2010

Bolivian President Evo Morales on Sunday hailed the Bolivians' massive participation in the regional elections as a vital step to make the country a freer, more democratic and sovereign state.

Bolivians voted on Sunday to elect the governors of nine departments, 267 members of departmental assembly (23 are indigenous), and 337 mayors, advisors, deputy governors and deputy mayors.

The voting began at 08:00 a.m. local time (1200 GMT) and closed at 4:00 p.m. (2000 GMT).

More than 5 million Bolivians voted for governors, and give continuity to the indigenous, regional, municipal and departmental autonomy in the country.

"Without doubt, these elections are historic and they will show us the path of autonomy, and we are also burying dictatorship," Morales said.

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Isn't that interesting, the opposition won the La Paz mayoralty - just like the opposition won the Caracas Metropolitan Area last year. The opposition, by the way, is claiming they are very satisfied because they took over most large cities.