Bolivian government consolidated after MAS triple victory

LA PAZ, 3 July (PL)— Today the Bolivian government has entered a consolidation phase after a Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) triple victory in the Constituent Assembly elections and in a referendum regarding autonomy, affirmed President Evo Morales.

In a press conference, Morales pointed out that in the yesterday’s elections his organization received the support of more than 60% of the voting population, surpassing that of the presidential race in December 2005 (53.7).

Morales emphasized that a second triumph was achieved in the securing of at least 134 of the 255 seats of the Assembly, which will be installed August 6, in the southern city of Sucre, the historic capital of the country.

Regarding the referendum on autonomous departments, Morales noted that the NO vote won out by an estimated 55% throughout the country, which he considered a third victory for MAS, since it supports that position.

In his judgment, the MAS victory also consolidates the nationalization of hydrocarbons and the objective of changing the neoliberal model.

The head of state acknowledged the YES victory in the referendum in four of the five departments of the country, and said that the Assembly must respect that result, although it must also discuss the demands of smaller autonomous jurisdictions and indigenous peoples.

After stating that the government and MAS have been strengthened, he thanked the people and social movements for their support, which is reinforcing the government in contrast to the experiences of past leaders, who suffered a loss of support during their mandate.