This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/7382538.stm

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Controversial Bolivian poll held Bolivia region 'chooses autonomy'
(about 1 hour later)
Bolivia's eastern region of Santa Cruz is holding an unofficial referendum on plans to give it more autonomy from central government. Voters in Bolivia's richest province, Santa Cruz, are reported to have supported proposals for greater autonomy in an unofficial referendum.
Exit polls for local TV stations suggest that more than 80% backed giving the region more control over its resources, and creating a police force.
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 marred the poll.
Many in what is Bolivia's richest province are critical of left-wing President Evo Morales. Many in Santa Cruz are critical of left-wing President Evo Morales.
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. Much of the voting was calm, but violence broke out in poorer areas as supporters of Mr Morales burnt ballot papers and ransacked polling stations.
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.One polling station was reported to have destroyed, while elsewhere opponents of the referendum threw stones and clashed with those wanting to vote.
At least 18 people were injured, officials said, and unconfirmed reports said one man had died as police fired tear gas into a crowd.
DivisionsDivisions
Mr Morales has promised radical reforms that he hopes will lead Bolivia, the poorest country in South America, out of poverty.Mr Morales has promised radical reforms that he hopes will lead Bolivia, the poorest country in South America, out of poverty.
He plans to grant greater powers and a bigger share of Bolivia's land and resources to the country's indigenous majority.
He is backed by the country's large indigenous community, but many in the oil- and gas-rich eastern provinces oppose his policies.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, said the result was always going to be in favour of greater autonomy since the opposition had said they would boycott the vote.
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 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.