MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Referendum challenge to the opposition from Bolivia's Morales

Let's play democracy: all elected posts are on the line

Bolivian President Evo Morales has called for a referendum on whether he and the country's nine regional governors should stay in office. Mr Morales said the vote should provide the final word on his reform program, which several governors oppose.

Violence has flared in Bolivia amid efforts by an assembly to rewrite the constitution. Last month, unrest broke out in the city of Sucre, killing five people and injuring hundreds after the assembly approved a framework for the new constitution. Mr Morales says the reforms will give poor Bolivians a say in running the country but his opponents argue they give the government too much power. Speaking on television, Mr Morales said he would be sending a proposal to Congress to put his leadership to the popular vote. He challenged the regional governors to submit their mandates to a referendum as well. "If the people say 'Evo's going', I don't have a problem with that. Let the people say who goes and who stays" Mr Morales challenged. "If they are democrats, let's bet on democracy." At least three regional governors have indicated they would be ready for a referendum but opposition leaders have voiced skepticism at the move, saying President Morales had made a similar proposal in January. The constituent assembly drafting the new constitution has until 14 December to approve the charter in full. It would then be put to a referendum next year. Government supporters insist changes would give greater political representation to marginalized and indigenous groups but the opposition criticized the plans for allowing the president to seek re-election indefinitely.