Chuquisaca voters go to the polls today to elect a new prefect to replace interim prefect Ariel Iriarte. The previous prefect, David Sánchez (MAS) resigned over the government’s handling of the social unrest during the final days of the constituent assembly process in Sucre last December, which left three dead.
Savina Cuéllar, the candidate from the opposition Interinstitutional Committee Alliance (ACI), is expected to defeat Wálter Valda (MAS) & Felipe Cruz (AS). Correo del Sur has brief candidate bios.
On the eve of the election, power was cut to television stations in Sucre (w/ the exception of PAT & government Canal 7). The similarity to events in Tarija are worrisome, as are reports that cocalero groups from the Chapare (who call themselves “Satucos”) have arrived in Sucre. Various international observers have also arrived.
