Experience in Bolivia on Election Day: The Historico Eleccion
On July 2, 2006, on the streets of Cochabamba, in Bolivia were quiet, no hum of traffic, no screeching of brakes, no blare of trumpets. Shops and businesses were locked and barred, although the midday sun on the wet streets of light. Suddenly, a low hum of laughter and chatter. A parade of bicycle buzzed past, their horsemen riding straight toward the center of the road. This is Election Day.The summer of 2006, I spent seven weeks in Bolivia as part of a documentary film program. Along with 12 other students, I took Spanish lessons and movies while producing my documentary film, A sabiduría Antigua (an ancient wisdom). I stayed with a family, the home of Maria Amalia, in Cochabamba, the entire program, so I had a look in Bolivian politics as they approached one of the most important elections in the history of their country. Bolivia has long been not able to get a taste of genuine democracy, which is perhaps why the spirit is still so palpable. Although it is not known, Bolivia has suffered from 1967 to 2005 under various "puppet governments" that do not serve the interests of the Bolivian people. In 2000, Bolivia's water has been privatized, which resulted in an increase of 35-100% of the price of water (Schultz). Those Bolivians living in poverty in the slums of the city could not afford the increase. In response, citizens stood up and helped to oust their president, Hugo Banzer. E 'was later revealed that the company had bought control of their water supply was Bechtel, a U.S. company. Later, in 2003, a similar situation erupted over the privatization of natural gas, and Bolivia fought again determined. Protests forced the president, Gonzaolo Sanchez, out of power (Luomo). Years of oppressive rule Bolivia was hit hard. The people are thirsty for a system that would serve their needs, rather than serve the interests of other countries'. In 2005, Bolivia has one of its first truly democratic elections. Bolivia indigenous people, the Aymara and Quechua, who constitute about two thirds of the population, had never been well represented in the government of Bolivia. Evo Morales, Bolivia's current president, has changed that. He came from modest means as a poor peasant coca, but it has become powerful when they began to push for the rights of farmers' (avoid). Ages grew in power and eventually made a bid for public office. E 'was elected President in large part by the votes of indigenous peoples, who finally felt that their voices were heard. Many who have spoken personally felt liberated in Bolivia since the election of Evo, as if their country was finally in their hands.Evo came into office with a strong social agenda, which is often strongly criticized by the Americans. Evo has also been a bit 'maligned for his close friendship with Hugo Chavez, another socialist president that many Americans fear. What we in America seem to ignore the social significance of the election of Evo Evo has become a symbol for other indigenous peoples. In light of our recent historic election, we should look outside views of our country in South America and see what the president of Bolivia for means Bolivia.When I came down to breakfast on election day, a Sunday guest of My sister dragged me out to track down some bikes to ride. Cyclists were everywhere, cruising along the main roads. Why? Why were not hampered by the usual traffic and there were no cars on the road. In Bolivia, the election day, citizens are not allowed to drive, except for a select few with special permits. Businesses were closed and nobody was working, so the whole day was devoted to the elections. Democracy was in the air. This was not a climate of divisive politics, was a day of celebration. In Bolivia, the vote is not only a right but an obligation. E 'mandatory. If you do not vote, you will receive a fine by mail, and election day is more of an event than it is in the United States.The political heat around the Bolivia is everywhere, always button. It was not anger, we often see that partisan power in the United States, but rather a desire for more, almost desperate battle for their country. The lines were compiled class lines rather than ideological ones. The classes indigenous finally saw the opportunity to call their home. Yet, the upper and middle classes feared for the economy and businesses if a socialist government wealth spread among the poor was present farmers.The elections took place only six months after Evo was elected. This vote could decide the legislative offices in Bolivia, but it was also reaffirm the power of Evo and his MAS party, the Socialist Party of Bolivia. The vote led to the constituents for a constitutional council to write the new Constitution of Bolivia. This election is a permanent influence over the government of Bolivia. How will they structure the economy? Will the Indians finally have a significant place in the Bolivian government? It will be the richest provinces to be independent? These questions are central to the debate are immense, uncertainties civilization training that will define the country. Listening to Bolivia to discuss ideas and problems, I felt like one of the settlers may have felt as they watched nervously America was formed. Write a system of government is exciting and challenging, but it's also very, very difficult.As write, Bolivia has not yet resolved its constitutional debate. As we sat and learned of the conflicting interests and political games of the Constituent Assembly, I started thinking about our own Constitution, the foundation of our country. History tells us that there was no conflict unless the foundation of the United States, but somehow it lasted over 200 years. However, many forget that our first attempt, the Articles of Confederation, failed miserably. So many countries to put together a solid basis for their government, and make so many problems. This constitution will be the third Bolivia has used over the past 40 years, and all are fervently hoping that this will last. We Americans are fortunate that our first stab at the government lasted so long. Sometimes it seems like we take our success for granted in the Constitution. Perhaps if we had had to struggle a bit 'more, Americans would be just as enthusiastic and passionate about voting, about participating in the system. Perhaps the recent election marathon that finally an African American man in the White House have stoked the fire once again for American democracy. I am not suggesting that American democracy to be compromised to prove a point, but it is worth to remember our good fortune in the hope that there is sympathy for misfortunes.In other countries' elections in the wake of our history, I realize how similar we our counterparts in South America. In this presidential election, a significant population that has never been represented in our executive branch will finally see a leader. Evo Morales is a symbol similar to the indigenous peoples of Bolivia. As our prejudices are overcome, we must open our minds to countries like Bolivia, and watch some of the ways we are similar. Forget about our divided world country and see how we are connected. Try not to judge other countries according to the labels we give to their governments, but let's see how each country views its democracy. Many governments to exclude certain groups, whether intentionally or tradition. Many have fought long battles to create a constitution. Many keep every little success they have on the path to true freedom. Quietly waiting for the story to be done as our new president begins his first year in office, perhaps we should remember our place among other countries, fighting for equality and happiness and, perhaps, at least for a moment, other people in other countries, with different ideals, might not seem so far away away.Evitar, Daphne. "The president of Bolivia in the house." The Nation. December 12, 2008. Luomo, Aaron Gordon and Gretchen. "Turning Gas Development in Bolivia." Dollars & sense: the magazine of economic Justice.Schultz, Jim. "Bolivia's Water War Victory" Earth Island Journal. Fall 2000.
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