Bolivian Political Climate April 19 th, 2010 Engineers Without Borders

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Background Bolivia is one of South America’s poorest countries despite rich mineral and energy resources Wealthy urban elites (mostly Spanish ancestry) dominate political and economic life 2nd largest reserve of natural gas in South America 3 main indigenous groups ◦ Quechua ◦ Aymara ◦ Guaraní Indigenous groups say the country should not relinquish control of the reserves, which they claim is Bolivia’s only remaining resource

Government President Morales (1/22/06-present) ◦ Reelected 12/6/09 ◦ First indigenous president Movement Toward Socialism Party Three Part Platform ◦ Nationalized energy industry  Rich elites unhappy ◦ Re-write constitution  New Constitution approved 1/25/09  More power to indigenous majority ◦ Legalize Coca production (unachieved)  Used in part to make cocaine

Re-Writing the Constitution Dec 9, New constitutional presented to congress  Opposition boycotted meeting Approved January 25, 2009 Instigated February 7, 2009 Broadens definition of property Recognizes 36 indigenous groups Rejected by many eastern departments February 1, Violated by Morales himself for celebrating “ancestral blessing” in secular state

Bolivian-US Relations Traditionally cordial September 10, 2008-US ambassador ordered to leave Bolivia  Encouraging rebellion US suspended duty-free exports Bolivia suspended US Drug Enforcement Administration

Central Emergency Response Fund: Funding Distribution World/Bolivia2010/tabid/6571/language/en -US/Default.aspx World/Bolivia2010/tabid/6571/language/en -US/Default.aspx 2.5 Million for humanitarian response

Travel Advice Exercise caution and avoid large crowds Continual risk of public protests and strikes throughout Bolivia. ◦ Major roads can be blocked and public transport disrupted at very short notice There is a risk that the main road between Chile and Bolivia may be blockaded at short notice Road travel can be dangerous as a result of poor road conditions, local driving techniques, and the condition of vehicles on the road. Heavy rains have meant that some roads have been washed away. Risk of “express kidnappings.” Exercise caution when arriving in, and traveling around, Bolivia and be aware of the general risk of crime for visitors. Dengue Fever has been reported in the regions of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando, and Cochabamba. Travelers should take extra precautions against mosquitoes