Enero 01, 2005
Top Ten Bolivia Stories of 2004
In the most unofficial of formats, here are ten stories that stood out in my memory in 2004.
Bolivia Gas Referendum
For the first time in over 70 years, Bolivia participated in a direct democratic exercise. Even though the vaguely-worded questions left the door open for broad interpretation, democracy in Bolivia shifted, if only for one day. The vast majority of Bolivians did not heed the call to boycott the vote or burn ballot boxes. No longer were Bolivians reliant on representatives that really didn't represent them at all. The peaceful exercise of democracy dominated all 9 departments. Each of the five questions passed decisively. However, in the six months since the final vote was cast, Bolivia still does not have a new Hydrocarbons Law.
Most of Congress has intepreted the results as a mandate to nationalize all of the hydrocarbons, including obligating all multinational companies to change the existing contracts. President Mesa is looking to pass a more moderate Law. This will be the most pressing issue in the beginning of 2005.
New Actors in Municipal Elections
Incumbents reigned supreme on December 5th. In the cities of El Alto and La Paz, voters turned their backs on violent social movement leaders (de la Cruz) and embraced a (minor) political party (Movimiento Sin Miedo), respectively. In the other two major urban centers, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, it was business as usual. Alliances were formed in exchange for patronage rights. For the first time in Bolivian history, indigenous groups and citizen groups were given the right to participate in the elections without being part of a political party. Even though many of these citizen groups operated as political parties, with many ex-politicos, they were seen as an alternative. MAS was the political party that received the highest total of votes, yet fell short in winning one of the four major urban cities.
Goni on Trial
After a lengthy debate in Parliment, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to place Goni on trial. Mind you this vote took place in full campaign mode, where very decision, stance, and vote had the upcoming municipal elections in mind. Some politicians tried to capitalize on Goni's basement favorable ratings. Many speculate that Goni cannot receive a fair trial in Bolivia, because he has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion. Just recently attorneys began interviewing key actors. Shouldn't the investigation take place before placing someone on trial? Some speculate that Goni may be extradited, but threats on his life may provide him with asylum.
The Call For Autonomy
I'll never get tired of repeating myself: Autonomy and decentralization is a great concept. Who else is better to understand and meet the needs of local people, than local governments? However, it has become evident that those individuals and groups (CAINCO and other elite businessmen) pushing for the autonomy solution, are only doing so because they want to form their own centralist power structures. Just take a look at the coalition that was formed in Santa Cruz. Both Ivo Kuljis and Oscar Vargas would benefit greatly from the consolidation of power.
Tens of thousands of Cruceños were duped in believing in that these leaders were pushing for autonomy out of no ulterior motive. However, these leades are very shrewd and know how to appeal using populism and at times, playing the race card. Bolivia is not ready for such a widespread decentralization. There are no mechanisms to ensure that such a top-down centralist type of government wouldn't take place on local levels.
Bolivar Reaching International Final
As much as it pains me to include them, most of the country set aside allegiances to their own local club team to root for a Bolivian representative. Bolivar, the La Paz club, beat Aurora (BOL), Concepcion (CHI), Arsenal (ARG), and LDU (ECU) to face the most successful South American team, Boca Juniors. However, Bolivar did not take advantage of their home field. Only winning 1-0, Bolivar then headed to Buenos Aires where they lost 0-2.
Mesa Continues to Ask for Sea
We saw President Carlos Mesa everywhere, making the loss of access to the sea as a central issue. At every international gathering, Mesa asked that his Latin American friends join him in pushing Chile into returning the sea to Bolivia. Even President Hugo Chavez said that he hopes someday to be swimming on a Bolivian beach. Recently the Bolivian strategy has shifted from a multilateral approach to seeking dialogue bilaterally with Chile. No changes are imminent. But for now, Bolivians will have to resort to basking in the sun in Arica or Iquique (Chile).
Lynching in Ayo Ayo
The unspeakable took place just months after a similar even took place in Ilave, Peru. The late Bejamin Altimirano, mayor of Ayo Ayo, was kidnapped in La Paz and driven back to his hometown of Ayo Ayo. There, he was beaten, tortured and ultimately burned to death. Claims of communal justice tried to mask savagry. Many claim that Altimirano was a corrupt public official, but that never justifies the horrendous crime that painted Bolivians as heartless and lawless. Members of the Movimiento Sin Tierra are still behind bars for their role in the murder.
Evo and Mesa, an Unlikely Team
Some said that Evo was an unofficial part of the government from the way he was acting. Cries of "sell-out" appeared not to faze Evo, who knew that his more moderate position would work well in the upcoming elections. In comparison to radical leftists like Jaime Solares and Felipe Quispe, Evo really didn't seem so bad. Evo came out in favor of the Referendum, maybe because he knew that the vague questions could help his cause. After the Referendum, Evo and MAS reverted back to their roles in the opposition. Mesa continues to govern without a political party and has alienated some in Congress. However, his relationship with Evo Morales and MAS has been one of the most important factors in Mesa lasting 2004.
Miss Bolivia's Comments
What seemed to be comments lost in translation turned into an international incident. Miss Bolivia, Gabriela Oviedo, offended many Bolivians by generalizing both those from the Western side of the country, as well as those in the East. Clearly Bolivia enjoys a multi-ethnic and pluralist country, but her comments were very disparaging. However, some of the reactions passed along through forwarded emails or jokes making the rounds often played up on these generalizations. It really shouldn't have made a big deal of, but one of the reasons it made this list was because of the reaction generated.
My Return to Bolivia
In October, I returned to Bolivia after a yearlong absence. I found a more optimistic Bolivia upon my return. Things were still tough for many people struggling with unemployment and underemployment. Still I felt that Bolivia was my home. Hopefully I will be heading back to Bolivia semi-permanently sometime in 2005. Plus, in 2004 Barrio Flores was born.
Posted by eduardo at Enero 1, 2005 09:10 PM
Comments
nice!
Posted by: norman martin at Octubre 18, 2005 07:51 PM