barrio flores

Evo Morales

Evo Morales is a leader of the Bolivian cocalero movement, a loose federation of coca-growing campesinos who are resisting the efforts of the Bolivian government to eradicate coca in the department of Chapare. Morales is also leader of the Bolivian political party, Movement Toward Socialism (MAS in its Spanish initials). In the 2002 Bolivian elections, MAS came in second, a surprising upset for Bolivia's traditional parties. As leader of MAS, it brought Morales within a hair's breadth of being elected president of Bolivia, a unique and unprecedented event in the post-columbian history of South America. It made the indigenous activist an instant celebrity throughout the continent.

No mention of this so-called "charisma" that every article seems to refer to, and rightly so. To some, his personality is charismatic and to others, it is arrogant and ego-driven.

Cochabamba

Currently, Cochabamba is an economically active city and tends to be one of the more socially liberal locations in the nation. Like other large cities in the Andes, Cochabamba is a city of contrasts. Its downtown core, around areas such as Plaza Colón or Plaza 14 de Septiembre, is generally quite modern. There are bright lights, bustling streets, and countless automobiles and internet cafes. It is in these locations where the majority of the city's business and commercial industries are found. An active nightlife is centered around Calle España (Spain Street) and also along a broad tree-lined boulevard called El Prado. As one moves further out from the city-center, however, the communities become less technologically advanced. Cochabamba's outlaying neighborhoods often find themselves with higher crime rates and lacking electricity, indoor plumbing, and paved streets.

Socially liberal? In what sense?

Carlos Mesa

Bolivia's next presidential elections were scheduled for 2007, but Mesa was quick to point out that his administration was transitional and that he did not intend to complete Sánchez de Lozada's term in office. Although his government has, since then, decided that it will finish the term till 2007. He also promised to hold a binding referendum on the gas export plan which he did with uncertain results as the questions on the referendum were vague and misleading.

I do agree that the questions were vague, although not necessarily misleading. The vast majority of Bolivians want to export the gas, under guarded conditions. The Referendum results reflect that fact, although the interpretation has become politicized especially during the time before the Municipal Elections.

Maybe I'll contribute to Mesa's entry, being as objective as I can (unlikely).