Incidents of civil unrest after launch of civic strike

Incidents of civil unrest have been reported on 19 August 2008 as the opposition launched a civic strike in the provinces of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando and Tarija. Demonstrators are protesting against President Evo Morales' plans to hold a national referendum on his proposed constitutional reforms that would strengthen the presidency. Large numbers of police and troops are on duty around public buildings as authorities fear that some strikers may try to occupy them.