Plot to assassinate the president uncovered

Bolivian officials reported a plot to assassinate President Evo Morales. The conspirators allegedly plotted to hire a peasant or working class individual to kill Morales during one of his frequent, informal meetings with his base of supporters. They reportedly ordered the assassin to state that he killed Morales for betraying the lower classes of Bolivia. No suspects have been detained, and officials declined to give any further details on the conspiracy. Morales' security detail has been significantly tightened, and officials indicate that the assassination plot remains an ongoing threat. In January 2009 Bolivians will vote on changes to the constitution that -- according to Morales and his followers -- will reduce the wealth gap between the richest and poorest segments of society, as well as give power to the indigenous majority. It is a highly contested charter, which has already created conflict in the eastern provinces of Beni, Tarija, Santa Cruz and Pando, where wealthier white Bolivians stand to lose the most.