New constitution divides Bolivia
Updated on 26 January 2009
A new constitution aimed at helping the indigenous majority has left Bolivia divided.
President Evo Morales claimed victory over the new charter, which won by a 59 per cent to 41 per cent margin, according to unofficial figures.
He said it would "decolonise" South America's poorest country by giving independence to indigenous peoples who have been under oppression dating back to the Spanish conquest.
But the constitution was opposed by the country's mestizo and European-descended minority and opposition leaders warned that it did not reflect Bolivia's growing urban population, which mixes both Indian blood and tradition with a new Western identity.
Despite the divide, the election on Sunday went peacefully and Morales arrived at the presidential palace greeted by cheering supporters celebrating the results.
He told the crowd that thanks to "sovereign will and conscience of the Bolivian people", they built a "new Bolivia with equality and opportunities for everyone".
The proposed document would also create a new Congress with seats reserved for Bolivia's smaller indigenous groups.
The final results of the election are expected in about ten days.
A general election will also be held in December, in which Mr Morales could run for a second, consecutive five-year term. The current constitution permits two terms, but not consecutively.
© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
