Bolivians to vote on constitution that would empower Indian majority

[Judi Lynn]

Bolivians to vote on constitution that would empower Indian majority
DAN KEANE, Associated Press Writer
February 28, 2008 8:34 PM

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) - A bitterly divided Bolivian Congress on Thursday approved a national vote on President Evo Morales' proposed constitution, which would grant greater political power to Bolivia's long-oppressed indigenous groups.

Lawmakers from Morales' Movement Toward Socialism party passed the referendum in a raucous session, thwarting opposition groups that last year walked out on the constitutional assembly and now refuse to recognize the framework.

Most opposition lawmakers were blocked from attending Thursday's session by a crowd of flag-waving Morales supporters and miners in hardhats who seized the plaza outside the congressional building.

If approved by voters, Morales' constitution would outline a detailed bill of rights and considerable autonomy for the country's 36 indigenous groups, long shut out of power by the country's white elite.

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