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February 4, 2009 |
Bolivia and its new constitution
On January 25th, Bolivia held a referendum to adopt a new national constitution, one that dramatically shifts the country, reversing discriminatory practices and granting many rights and self-determination to the 36 indigenous nations within Bolivia. After a lengthy count, officials announced that the referendum passed with over 60% of the vote. Much political and legal work remains to implement the changes, but soon most of the country's natural resources will be state-owned, land ownership will be capped at 12,000 acres, and Morales will be able to run for a second term. Challenges still lie ahead, as Bolivia remains South America's poorest country, and - after recently expelling all agents the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency - it has lost preferred trade status with the United States. President Evo Morales welcomed the constitutional win by saying "Here begins the new Bolivia", claiming the changes would work to "decolonize" Bolivia. (29 photos total)

A Bolivian Wiphala indigenous flag (this one representing the Qulla Suyu region of the Inca Empire) is held high during a protest march towards La Paz, Bolivia on October 20, 2008. Thousands of supporters of President Evo Morales marched toward La Paz to pressure congressmen to pass a law for a referendum vote to approve a new constitution. (REUTERS/Daniel Caballero)

Before the march to La Paz, clashes between supporters of Morales and those seeking more autonomy had taken place in several provinces, including Pando, where 19 indigenous people were killed. In this photo, members of the Santa Cruz Youth Union (Unión Juvenil Cruceñista or UJC), a neo-fascist group, fight with others in Tiquipaya , 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Santa Cruz, September 13, 2008. (REUTERS/Bruno Domingos) #

A farmer who is seen at a roadblock during a pro-government protest in Tiquipaya, 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Santa Cruz, September 14, 2008. Bolivia's government and rightist rivals on Sunday sought to defuse a deep political crisis after deadly protests prompted martial law in Pando province where nearly 30 people were killed. (REUTERS/Bruno Domingos) #

A dust cloud covers the mining city of Oruro, Bolivia at dawn, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008. Bolivian mines have been freezing operations as falling metal prices have been crippling the industry. Bolivia's new constitution will nationalize all idle lands, gas, oil and mineral resources. (AP Photo/Dado Galdieri) #

A farmer looks at sheared vicunas moments before they were released back into the wild in the Andean village of Patoko, Bolivia, Friday, Nov. 7, 2008. The vicuna is one of two wild South American camelids which live in the highland areas of the Andes and had been hunted by poachers and farmers in the past for its fine wool. This camelid became an endangered species in Bolivia but its population has been increasing since 2000 when a project between Germany and Bolivia began helping poor farmers to sell the fine wool to Italian and Japanese fashion markets, without killing the animal. (AP Photo/Dado Galdieri) #

A peasant spreads out coca leaves to dry in the sun in Asunta, Bolivia, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008. Bolivia's President Evo Morales rejected a request from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to fly anti-narcotics missions over Bolivia. The Bush administration then moved to suspend trade preferences to Bolivia in response. (AP Photo/Juan Karita) #

Bolivian rappers perform at the ancient village of Tiwanaku, in Bolivia's highlands, on January 31, 2009. Despite widespread harsh feelings towards US policies, Bolivian youths embrace US Hip-Hop culture as a way to vent their anger over historical oppression and exploitation. Through songs that praise President Morales' "democratic revolution" and a claim for social changes, Bolivian rappers believe there is no contradiction between their "gringo" look and the anti-imperialist slant. (AFP PHOTO/Joao Padua) #

Two Aymara indigenous women walk through La Paz Golf Club, as the snowy summit of Illimani appears in the background on November 26, 2008. La Paz Golf Club is considered to be the highest in the world, around 11,000 feet above sea level. Founded in 1912, the Club sits in the upscale district of southern La Paz, and its exclusive facilities receive the local elite. (JOAO PADUA/AFP/Getty Images) #

Aymara Indians line up to vote at a polling station in Walata Chico, Bolivia, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009. Bolivians are voting on proposed changes to their constitution, aimed at remaking the country on behalf its indigenous majority and allowing Morales to run for a second consecutive five-year term. (AP Photo/Juan Karita) #
More links and information
Bolivians Ratify New Constitution - NYTimes.com 01/25
DEA leaves Bolivia - Seattle Times 01/30
In Bolivia, Untapped Bounty Meets Nationalism - NYTimes.com 02/02
Bolivia - NYTimes Topics page