If only it were that easy

05.18.2004

Yesterday, a mass rally sponsored by the COR (Central Obrera Regional de El Alto) declared itself the "revolutionary parliament" capable of making national decisions. Never mind that it only represents (some of) the workers of El Alto (the entire city comprises roughtly 5% of the nation's population).

Roberto de la Cruz (leader of the COR) shouted the question: "Who wants nationalization of hydrocarbons?" He was met w/ a reply of "Nationlize!" In true populist caudillo fashion, he shouted back: "Aproved! The future of the gas has already been defined by the people!" If only it were that easy.

But. Regardless of the technical-legal fact that a national referendum on the gas issue is under way, what right does any group have to A) declare itself "the people"? and B) to act as if it alone can wield sovereign power?

There's another mass meeting later this afternoon at Plaza San Francisco where the COR will deliberate (i.e. the dirigentes will dictate) what means of pressure they'll exert on President Mesa's government (possibly w/ the aim of overthrowing him). One of the claims is that if Mesa can't nationalize the hydrocarbon industry, he should call for new elections. If only it were that easy.

If there's early elections, is there guarantee that a pro-nationalization candidate would win? I doubt it. The media luna has essentially elected the last four presidents, they'll most likely pick the next one. And the media luna seems opposed to nationalization.

It seems the radical syndicates have come to believe their own rhetoric: that they are the legitimate voice of "the people" w/ the right to exercise sovereignty. Sorry. But that just doesn't sound very democratic to me.

Meanwhile, Santa Cruz & Tarija are demanding a by-department referendum, rather than a one-person-one-vote referendum. This referendum — which no one seems to understand, and w/ still-unspecified questions — might just break the country.

I've decided to pack (just in case) and keep my passport & embassy pass ready. You never know anymore. This is the constant "background stress" several Fulbrighters complain to each other about.

Well, let's see if I can have a productive day today.

Posted by Miguel at 08:25 AM

Comments

Sounds like you need to collect your data post-haste.

Posted by: tom at May 18, 2004 11:29 AM

I just like to have contingency plans. A Plan B for every ocassion, if you will.

Posted by: miguel at May 18, 2004 05:30 PM

Have all these events surprised you when you got there, or are there consistent with the premise of your dissertation? How do they influence the premise of your dissertation? N.

Posted by: Nenad at May 19, 2004 09:05 AM

Unfortunately, much of this took me by surprise. For two decades, Bolivia was quite stable (esp. compared to other Andean countries). Then, towards the end of 2002, problems began creeping up. The situation has since spiralled out of control, and beyond real prediction. It's a mess. I do believe that the German-style MMP electoral system is a contributing factor, however. But there might be others ...

Posted by: Miguel at May 19, 2004 10:20 AM