Bolivian Political ClimateApril 19th, 2010Engineers Without Borders

Map

BackgroundBolivia is one of South America’s poorest countries

despite rich mineral and energy resourcesWealthy urban elites (mostly Spanish ancestry)

dominate political and economic life2nd largest reserve of natural gas in South

America3 main indigenous groups

◦ Quechua◦ Aymara◦ Guaraní

Indigenous groups say the country should not relinquish control of the reserves, which they claim is Bolivia’s only remaining resource

GovernmentPresident Morales (1/22/06-present)

◦Reelected 12/6/09◦First indigenous president

Movement Toward Socialism PartyThree Part Platform

◦Nationalized energy industry Rich elites unhappy

◦Re-write constitution New Constitution approved 1/25/09 More power to indigenous majority

◦Legalize Coca production (unachieved) Used in part to make cocaine

Re-Writing the Constitution

• Dec 9, 2007- New constitutional presented to congress Opposition boycotted meeting

Approved January 25, 2009Instigated February 7, 2009Broadens definition of propertyRecognizes 36 indigenous groupsRejected by many eastern departmentsFebruary 1, 2010- Violated by Morales

himself for celebrating “ancestral blessing” in secular state

Bolivian-US Relations• Traditionally cordial• September 10, 2008-US ambassador

ordered to leave Bolivia Encouraging rebellion

US suspended duty-free exportsBolivia suspended US Drug

Enforcement Administration

Central Emergency Response Fund:Funding Distributionhttp://ochaonline.un.org/CERFaro

undtheWorld/Bolivia2010/tabid/6571/language/en-US/Default.aspx

2.5 Million for humanitarian response

Travel Advice Exercise caution and avoid large crowds Continual risk of public protests and strikes throughout

Bolivia.◦ Major roads can be blocked and public transport disrupted

at very short notice There is a risk that the main road between Chile and Bolivia

may be blockaded at short notice Road travel can be dangerous as a result of poor road

conditions, local driving techniques, and the condition of vehicles on the road. Heavy rains have meant that some roads have been washed away.

Risk of “express kidnappings.” Exercise caution when arriving in, and traveling around, Bolivia and be aware of the general risk of crime for visitors.

Dengue Fever has been reported in the regions of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando, and Cochabamba. Travelers should take extra precautions against mosquitoes

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/south-america/bolivia