Just a quick note during a break in the project conference at UCSD. Since this is a mini-conference on electoral system, I’ll ignore the issue of the current bloqueos across Bolivia (especially around the gas-rich Chaco region). The interesting thing is that the future of Oruro’s prefect is uncertain. W/ the final results of the recall referendum, Alberto Aguilar (MAS) won 50.85%. That’s a slim majority, but according to the actual rules of the recall, he came up a bit short (I can’t now remember how short). Of course, the opposition had fought for the rules to be changed to accept only a simple majority; we'll see now whether partisanship overrides principle.
I saw Gustavo Torrico on TV a few weeks ago when this problem arose. Under questioning, he wouldn´t give a straight answer and said that these sort of things need to settled on a case by case basis and with prudence and sensitivity. My guess...Aguilar stays because he´s MAS.
I figured that MAS would push for him to stay under the new "compromise" rules. I wonder whether the opposition (which fought for the compromise rules) will say the same ...
I can't imagine why the opposition would push on this one. morales gets to pick his replacement until such time as he gets around to calling elections. Once elections are called, the oposition may not be able to field a candidate strong enough to win. Why spin up over this one?