MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Growing division in Bolivia over future Constitution

Opposition leaders from Bolivia's wealthier eastern regions said a one-day strike in protest at plans by the administration of President Evo Morales to re-write the constitution was a huge success.

But Interior Minister Alicia Munoz said the strike was a "total political failure" because few people took part

The action was widely seen as the biggest challenge yet to the authority of President Evo Morales. The strikers are objecting to plans to allow a constituent assembly to amend the charter by simple majority vote in spite of an original agreement of a two thirds majority.

Evo Morales alliance in the constituent assembly totals 137 votes and is comfortable working with a simple majority, 128. But the Conservative opposition insists in the two thirds, 170 votes, fearing the government allegedly may be granted "special (autocratic) powers" by the assembly.

The power struggle is basically between Bolivia's richest provinces, mainly oil and gas producing Santa Cruz dominated by the wealthier, white elite and the poorer areas and its indigenous majority. The four eastern regions also recently voted for autonomy, something Mr Morales opposes.

One of the central demands of the mass social movements which helped get Mr Morales elected was that Bolivia's constitution be rewritten. Indigenous activists say the charter entrenches the dominance of the non-indigenous elite.

Spokesman for the Pro Santa Cruz Committee, Daniel Castro, said Saturday that "we are giving the government enough time to redirect its position in the assembly; let's hope it moderates its criticisms and its positions and, instead of looking for enemies, it abides by the law convening the Assembly".

The president of the Pro Santa Cruz Committee, German Antelo, told the press that if the administration continues "wanting to divide the country, wanting to impose the will of a single political party on all Bolivia," then these regions will have to continue fighting back.

Francisco Navajas from the province of Tarija said that these days of truce will allow us "to see if the government is changing course and returning to legality and abides by the two-thirds majority".

"What's important is the nation's unity and we have hopes for a genuine reconciliation and the rule of the law", said Navajas.

Assembly deliberations broke off Thursday and were followed by the one day strike. Negotiations for resumption of activities are expected for next Tuesday.

Bolivian Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera said Saturday arriving at the presidential palace that he regards with "moderate optimism" the possibility of an agreement with the opposition, while at the same time repeating his accusation that they are using the demand for a two-thirds majority as a pretext "to boycott the Constituent Assembly."

"We're a party of dialogue and consensus building. Our position is open, flexible and committed to the Assembly's non restriction legislation", emphasized Garcia Linera.