Yesterday the whole city of Santa Cruz shut down to vote on the new constitution that was recently formed this past year. Businesses closed, churches moved their services to Saturday night, the public transportation system was suspended, buses were not allowed to enter or leave the city and few vehicles traveled through the streets. All attention was focused on voting in order to ensure a good turnout. The government also took precautions, such as restricting vendors from selling alcohol, in order to keep things under control.
The new constitution has been heavily debated and persons on both sides feel extremely passionate about their opinions. The majority of the people in the department of Santa Cruz are not in favor of the new constitution due to some of the articles. Land distribution coupled with ownership regulations and control of the country´s natural resources are concerns for persons in Santa Cruz.
Supporters on the other hand are from the western part of the country, home to the majority of the indigenous population. They are in favor of a more state-run economy where funds generated from natural resources will be evenly distributed throughout the country. They also favor the new constitution because of the new land regulations. However due to numerous concessions on the part of Evo Morales, as demanded by the opposition, there will be less land distributed than initially promised. Only unused land will be repossessed and distributed to the indigenous population. An owner simply has to prove he or she is farming or using the land in order to keep it.
Today, Monday, the puplic was informed that the general population voted "yes" for the new constitution; 60% voted "yes" and 40% voted "no". Evo and his supporters see this as a victory, but the opposition has also celebrated. The departments of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando and Tarija celebrated the fact that the majority of the people living in these regions voted "No". Definitely a pride issue. This has definitely emphasized the polarization of the Country which will inevitably lead to more conflict and the possibility of violence in the future.
Hopefully this gives you a glimpse of what is currently taking place here in Bolivia. This is a very interesting time to be here. Currently the city is calm with the daily functions taking place in a normal manner. I pray though that conflict in the future can be handled peacefully and persons will refrain from using violence to express their fears and anger.
On another note, this is my last week working here at the MCC center and I will begin my job in the Plan 3000 on the 2nd of February. This is very exciting. I will be working in a library run by the Catholic Church (San Silvestre) during the day and three nights a week I will be supporting/ helping start an after school program where kids can play games, hang-out with friends and do homework. This will take place 20 minutes from my house in the Parish. We are unsure how this will turn out and I ask that you pray for me to have patience.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. God bless.
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2 comments:
Thank you so much for this interesting and informative post. We continue to remember you and the country of Bolivia in our prayers! Our prayers are with you as you begin your new work assignment. The work team from Washington Mennonite is SO excited about their trip to Bolivia. Jason will have to give you a big hug from us!!!!
We love you,
Becky and Jon
Just a reminder, you are still in my prayers. I will pray that you are able to work with the transition to another library and the ability to be apart of creating the after school program. My God continue to bless your work.
With love,
Nathan
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