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Bolivia region 'chooses autonomy' 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. 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.
Isolated outbreaks of violence marred the poll. 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.
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. 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.
One polling station was reported to have destroyed, while elsewhere opponents of the referendum threw stones and clashed with those wanting to vote. Land holdings
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
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. Leaders in Santa Cruz - home to about 25% of Bolivia's population - have demanded more local control over their resources.
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.
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 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.