MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Support for Bolivian president Morales reaches 81%

Popular support for Bolivian president Evo Morales ballooned to 81% following the nationalisation of the oil and gas industry last May 1, according to a survey published Saturday in the La Paz newspaper La Razon.

Similar surveys from previous months showed Morales had a 79% support in February, a month after taking office; 80% in March but then dropped to 68% in April.

Disapproval of Mr. Morales slid from 23% in April to 15% in May, reveals the public opinion poll from "Apoyo, Opinion y Mercado" which was undertaken in the main urban areas of the country: La Paz, Santa Cruz, El Alto and Cochabamba.

The pollster points out to the extraordinary recovery in Santa Cruz, the country's most populated city and one of its main economic hubs where support in May jumped 24 points over April. Besides Santa Cruz supports open market policies and is opposed to the "Socialist" economic program and thus the least "pro-Morales" city.

Support for vice president Alvaro Garcia Linera also jumped from 70% in April to 80% in May. Overall the Morales administration has a 79% approval.

As to the performance of the opposition, it was rejected by 56% of the interviews and supported by 31%.

The strong support is crucial for President Morales since next July 2 Bolivians will be electing a Constitutional Assembly tasked with reforming the country's constitution. Many of the current reforms including the nationalization of oil and gas assets are expected to be included.

The poll interviewed 1.114 people between May 8/15, a week alter President Morales announced the controversial nationalisation of Bolivia's hydrocarbons resources and industry.