I’m presenting two papers at the Midwest Political Science Association meeting in Chicago next weekend. The second paper is (finally!) finished; here’s the abstract:
From “Parliamentarized” to “Pure” Presidentialism:
Bolivia after October 2003This brief paper offers some insights into the current political situation in Bolivia as a transition from a “parliamentarized” presidential system to a “pure” presidential system. In the previous system (1985-2002), Bolivian presidents were chosen by the legislature, rather than by direct popular election. The results were multiparty coalition governments. Since 2003, Bolivia has been governed by three “pure” presidential regimes: the first two involved weak executives (Carlos Mesa and Eduardo Rodríguez) who did not have political allies in the legislature; the most recent involves a popularly elected president (Evo Morales) who governs with a one-party cabinet and claims to exercise a “mandate” from the people. This paper analyzes the effects of this transition on the political party system and future of Bolivian politics.
It’s available for download; input is always appreciated.