Christmas & election brief

12.19.2005

The last day of a nice early Christmas weekend (my parents are flying to Bolivia in a few days, so the holiday was early for us). Just back from taking Andy to the airport, now heading back to bed. But it was a good time, back in Saginaw, w/ a side trip out to Frankenmuth. And a nice short visit w/ my two nieces.

Also, the Bolivian elections were yesterday. No final word yet on parliament seat distributions, but Evo won more than any candidate since 1985 (about 40% of the vote). But so did Tuto (w/ about 35% of the vote). So the electorate seemed pretty split down the middle (and polarized) between just two choices. Seat distibutions should be available later today, certainly after I wake back up from my 4am trip out to the airport.

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UPDATE: Actually, it looks like Evo took just over 50% of the valid vote (the share of votes when counting only votes actually cast for candidates) w/ some of the most recent counts. If so, he'd be the first directly elected president since Bolivia became a democracy. But none of his candidates won a single prefecture, and I still can't get a complete read on number of legislative seats. Still, a historic & interesting election, all around.

Posted by Miguel at 06:34 AM

Comments

Seems like an exciting time to be an expert on Bolivian politics. Probably requires patience when writing and subsequently revising/adding, as well.

Posted by: tom at December 19, 2005 07:15 PM

It seems Evo won the elections, I think that PODEMOS's strategy was poor and mistaken, I knew he (Evo) was going to win, but I've never imagined it was going to be with such margin!. I'll try to post something at my weblog.

Posted by: Daniel at December 19, 2005 07:57 PM

I hope he doesn't bore us with years of yankee imperialist! talk...

Interesting and historic, indeed. I look forward to a post-election analysis and where you think this outcome will lead Bolivia in terms of stability, investment, nationalization, etc.. if you have time in between the holidays.

Posted by: j.scott barnard at December 20, 2005 10:43 AM

I enjoyed the time with you and Kate. I'm glad both of you were able to come. Thanks for making the trip.

Posted by: mom at December 20, 2005 11:07 AM

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