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Bolivia region 'chooses autonomy' | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
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 marred the poll. | |
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 as supporters of Mr Morales burnt ballot papers and ransacked polling stations. | |
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. | |
Divisions | Divisions |
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 fears | Poll 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, 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. |