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Autonomy poll is held in Bolivia Controversial Bolivian poll held
(20 minutes later)
Bolivia's eastern region of Santa Cruz is holding an unofficial referendum on plans to give it more autonomy from central government.Bolivia's eastern region of Santa Cruz is holding an unofficial referendum on plans to give it more autonomy from central government.
The authorities in La Paz have declared the vote illegal, and say they will ignore the results.The authorities in La Paz have declared the vote illegal, and say they will ignore the results.
Isolated outbreaks of violence have marred a poll that correspondents say threatens to split the country.Isolated outbreaks of violence have marred a poll that correspondents say threatens to split the country.
Many in what is Bolivia's richest province are critical of left-wing President Evo Morales.Many in what is Bolivia's richest province are critical of left-wing President Evo Morales.
President Morales has promised radical reforms that he hopes will lead Bolivia, the poorest country in South America, out of poverty. Much of the voting was calm, but violence broke out in poorer areas of Santa Cruz as supporters of Mr Morales burnt ballot papers and ransacked polling stations.
He is backed by the country's large indigenous community, but many in the oil and gas-rich eastern provinces oppose his policies. A government official said at least 20 people had been injured.
One polling station was reported to have destroyed, while elsewhere opponents of the referendum threw stones and clashed with those wanting to vote.
Divisions
Mr Morales has promised radical reforms that he hopes will lead Bolivia, the poorest country in South America, out of poverty.
He is backed by the country's large indigenous community, but many in the oil- and gas-rich eastern provinces oppose his policies.
Leaders in Santa Cruz - home to about 25% of Bolivia's population - have demanded more control over their resources.Leaders in Santa Cruz - home to about 25% of Bolivia's population - have demanded more control over their resources.
Poll sparks crisis fearsPoll sparks crisis fears
They feel threatened by a draft constitution that proposes to limit large land holdings.They feel threatened by a draft constitution that proposes to limit large land holdings.
The BBC's South America correspondent, Daniel Schweimler, says there is little doubt that Santa Cruz residents will agree overwhelmingly to more distance from the central government.The BBC's South America correspondent, Daniel Schweimler, says there is little doubt that Santa Cruz residents will agree overwhelmingly to more distance from the central government.
The question, our correspondent adds, is what happens next. Three other eastern provinces have said they too will vote on greater autonomy.The question, our correspondent adds, is what happens next. Three other eastern provinces have said they too will vote on greater autonomy.
Though the vote has fuelled fears of violence, the government had ruled out sending security forces and asked indigenous groups and other government supporters not to interfere. Though the vote fuelled fears of violence, the government had ruled out sending security forces and asked indigenous groups and other government supporters not to interfere.
Opposition to Mr Morales stems from a reform programme that would grant greater powers and a bigger share of Bolivia's land and resources to the country's indigenous majority.Opposition to Mr Morales stems from a reform programme that would grant greater powers and a bigger share of Bolivia's land and resources to the country's indigenous majority.