BOLIVIA:A struggle between Bolivian president Evo Morales and regional governors over control of the country's energy wealth is heading for a showdown referendum vote this weekend.
Mr Morales (48) has an edge in the ballot, in which voters will be asked whether to remove the president and eight governors from office. If he prevails, his hand will be strengthened as he moves to pass a new constitution that would enhance his power.
Regional leaders in natural gas-rich provinces are chafing at Mr Morales's decision to take more taxes for the central government and at his calls to break up and distribute large landholdings.
Four provinces expressed disapproval of the president's policies by passing referendums this year in support of autonomy.
The dispute has racial overtones. The opposition, based in the eastern lowlands, draws more support from a wealthier, European-descended population than Morales, a westerner of indigenous Aymara descent. - (Bloomberg)
