Credit:White House photo by Eric Draper

Carlos Mesa

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Bolivian adults are dissatisfied with Carlos Mesa, according to a poll by Apoyo, Opinión y Mercado published in La Razón. 44 per cent of respondents approve of the president's performance, a 22 per cent drop since March.

Mesa took over as president after the resignation of Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada in October 2003. The elected head of state was forced to step down after a series of violent protests over a controversial proposal to export natural gas.

The political crisis in the South American country has intensified over the past few weeks. On May 5, the National Congress voted 59-48 to pass a law which adds a 32 per cent non-deductible duty on hydrocarbons production, and forces the renegotiation of all existing contracts with foreign oil companies before Nov. 20.

The piece of legislation proved controversial, as business leaders deemed it too severe, while critics said it fell short of the ultimate goal of nationalization. La Paz and El Alto saw public demonstrations against the government.

On May 25, armed forces chief Gonzalo Arredondo pledged his support for the president after two army lieutenants—Julio Herrera and Julio Galindo—called for a civilian-military government to take over and effectively control Bolivia's oil and gas industry. Arredondo said the "unscrupulous and seditious" statement sought to "discredit the institution."

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of Carlos Mesa's performance as president?

Archive Search

Over 19,600 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.