Bolivian protestors call for autonomy

December 16, 2006

Four out of the nine provinces - all known as being wealthy - want their own full-governance.Evo Morales is the country's first indigenous president and is largely backed by the relatively poor, indigenous groups. Leftist Morales has accused the pro-autonomy drive of being led by a "racist right" opposed to his reforms and intent on splitting Bolivia, the poorest country in South America. According to a June referendum, a majority of people in these regions want their local leaders to have more control over political and economic affairs.