May 05, 2008

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Bolivia remain satisfied with their president’s performance, according to a poll by Ipsos Apoyo, Opinión y Mercado. 54 per cent of respondents approve of the job Evo Morales has done so far, down two points since March.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Bolivia remain satisfied with their president’s performance, according to a poll by Ipsos Apoyo, Opinión y Mercado. 54 per cent of respondents approve of the job Evo Morales has done so far, down two points since March.

Morales—an indigenous leader and former coca-leaf farmer—won the December 2005 presidential election as the candidate for the Movement to Socialism (MAS), with 53.7 per cent of the vote. He officially took over as Bolivia’s head of state in January 2006 and vowed to "re-found Bolivia" by enacting a new constitution.

In August 2006, the National Constituent Assembly—an elected ad-hoc body tasked with re-writing the country’s constitution—held its first session. The assembly was supposed to sit for just one year, but the process was marred by discrepancies between opposition parties and pro-government factions about whether the charter should be approved by a simple majority, as well as an attempt by MAS legislators to introduce an article to allow the indefinite re-election of the president. Opposition parties believed this would give Morales a chance to remain in power for as long as he wants.

In November 2007, a draft constitution was approved inside a military base in the vicinity of Sucre, with the support of all pro-government assembly members. Three people died and 20 more were injured during protests staged by the opposition to complain about the change of venue. The proposed draft includes articles that allow for consecutive presidential re-election, the creation of 36 autonomous indigenous communities, and tighter government controls over private media outlets.

Two years ago, Morales began a process of nationalization of the country’s rich hydrocarbon industry. Morales has said international companies exploiting domestic resources have not treated Bolivians fairly.

On May 1, the government announced it has finalized the purchase of the majority of shares of three energy companies. The state-run YPFB took control of Andina, previously operated by Spain’s Repsol YPF; Chaco, previously held by BP Plc and Pan American Energy; and pipeline company Transredes, formerly of Ashmore Energy International Ltd.

Morales announced the decision, saying, "Today, the day of workers in Bolivia and around the world, the government has determined, as part of its gradual economic policy, to purchase these bonds."

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of Evo Morales’ performance as president?

	Apr. 2008	Mar. 2008	Feb. 2008
Approve	54%	56%	55%
Disapprove	42%	40%	40%

Source: Ipsos Apoyo, Opinión y Mercado
Methodology: Interviews with 1,022 Bolivian adults in La Paz, El Alto, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, conducted in April 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.