Risk of civil unrest & transportation disruptions increases

There is an increased risk of civil unrest and transportation disruptions throughout Bolivia from now until 7 December 2008 and beyond as President Evo Morales has set a referendum date for approval of a new constitution. The referendum will ask voters to decide how much land individuals should be allowed to own and will also ask them to approve or reject the text of the new constitution, which was approved in December 2007 by a special assembly that was boycotted by most opposition delegates. The decree also calls for the election of two governors who were recalled this month, as well as vice governors and councilors in all nine departments. Morales' proposals for reform have been met with protests in eastern regions seeking greater autonomy from the central government and the return of energy revenues tapped to fund pensions for the elderly. Demonstrators have repeatedly blocked airstrips to keep aircraft carrying Morales from landing in the region. The announcement of the referendum date follows a recall referendum on 10 August, in which Morales gained a 67 percent vote of confidence.