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Bolivia region 'chooses autonomy' | Bolivia region 'chooses autonomy' |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Voters in Bolivia's richest region, 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. | 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. |
Sporadic outbreaks of violence marred the poll. | |
Many in Santa Cruz are critical of left-wing President Evo Morales. | Many in Santa Cruz are critical of left-wing President Evo Morales. |
The president wants the country's wealthier eastern regions to contribute more to the poorer west, where the bulk of his indigenous supporters come from. | |
Land holdings | |
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. |
Leaders in Santa Cruz - home to about 25% of Bolivia's population - have demanded more local control over their resources. | |
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 proposals voted on in Sunday's poll include giving Santa Cruz more control over land distribution - and rich oil and gas reserves. | |
Poll sparks crisis fears | |
Much of Sunday's 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 been destroyed, while elsewhere opponents of the referendum threw stones and clashed with those wanting to vote. | |
At least 20 people were injured, officials said, and unconfirmed reports said one man had died as police fired tear gas into a crowd. | |
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 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. |