In Bolivia’s August 10 recall referendum, President Evo Morales was confirmed in office with a resounding 67% of the national vote. Morales has pointed to the vote as a strong renewal of his mandate, including the effort to approve a new constitution. At the same time, the country’s main regional opposition figures in the eastern lowland departments of Santa Cruz, Pando, Beni, and Tarija were all also confirmed in office, and emboldened to press their “autonomy” agenda and block adoption of the new constitution. Meanwhile, the results of a survey conducted shortly after the recall referendum show that the vast majority of Bolivians (86%) agree that the national government and regional leaders should enter into genuine dialogue to overcome the prolonged political stalemate.

Since 1999, Kathryn Ledebur has directed the Andean Information Network (AIN), which promotes human rights and socioeconomic justice in Bolivia and more humane and effective illicit drug control policies. AIN provides information and analysis to NGO colleagues, the media, and international policymakers on developments in Bolivia and the impact of U.S. government and European policies.

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The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) is a nonprofit policy, research, and advocacy organization working to advance democracy, human rights, and social and economic justice in U.S. policy towards Latin America. For more information please visit www.wola.org.

The Institute for Policy Studies is a progressive, multi-issue think tank that turns Ideas into Action for Peace, Justice and the Environment; www.ips-dc.org.