barrio flores

I think the two major opponents are the "central" government and Evo. I think the civic leaders in Santa Cruz, along with the business owners, are afraid of the idea that in the next elections they will have to call Evo, Mr President. That is why they are in a rush.

Actually, what I heard Costas say, in his speech, is that the people of Santa Cruz are fighting for all Bolivia. He even mentioned they are solidary to the "people" of La Paz (not the government). Now, we know that could just be talk, but he said it loud and in public.

We'll see what happens later. It's too early to tell.

But who is this central government? Right now the face of the govt. is Carlos Mesa. However, there is no mention of the hundreds of members of political parties that have preceded Mesa and that have strengthened corrupted centralism.

I think if those who are afraid that Evo could become President (including me), should prove that their candidate would be better for Bolivia.

Only a short while ago Evo & others were calling for regional autonomy. Now that Santa Cruz pushed for it (for all Bolivia), they're opposed. I find that intriguing.

I guess Evo is for his own version of regional autonomy and doesn't want to do anything with the version of the oligarcs friends of the US and the multinationals. :-)

And, Mesa, in the eyes of the civicos is the live embodyment of present and past "central gov't".

Oh, right. Evo wants the regional autonomy based on friendship w/ Venezuelan & Cuban interests (is Lybia still on that list?), w/ ties to Colombian drug cartels & FARC. Thanks for the clarification. ;-)