The Hindu : International / Globescan : Bolivian presidential poll in December

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Thursday, Jul 07, 2005

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International - Globescan

Bolivian presidential poll in December

LA PAZ (BOLIVIA): Bolivian Congress voted to hold presidential and congressional elections on December 4, taking a key step toward ending the protracted political crisis that has toppled two presidents in less than two years. The Lower House early on Tuesday voted 80-27 in favour of the early vote and also called for a referendum, to be held July 2, 2006, on granting greater autonomy to Bolivia's regions and on electing a constitutional assembly — two key demands in the recent, massive street demonstrations that have shaken the impoverished nation for months. On Tuesday evening, the Senate confirmed the decision taken by the Lower House. No vote count was announced. Miners, students, workers and indigenous groups held massive street protests in recent months, demanding nationalisation of oil industry, changes to the constitution and the resignation of all members of Congress. ``This congress has responded to the challenges that our country faces and acted on behalf of Bolivia's interests,'' Congress President Hormando Vaca Diez said. — AP

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