Bolivia not only has a new Constitution since last February, but it has also passed a bill that will soon provide for a new electoral law, a fundamental piece of legislation that will guarantee a major respect for the rights of indigenous peoples in Bolivia. According to the bill, next general elections will be held on December 6, a new voter registration system will be built -the latter has been a demand included at the insistence of the opposition- and a reservation of seats for indigenous peoples in the new legislative body will be guaranteed.

Last Thursday Evo Morales went on hunger strike to protest against the blocking of the bill by opposition parties in the upper house. The strike was followed by negotiations with the rest of the parties, which resulted in the approval of the new bill by consensus.

The electoral law will allow Evo Morales reelection, and also establishes that indigenous peoples -a majority in the country- will be reserved 7 seats within the new Plurinational Legislative Assembly, the chamber that will replace the Congress. The deal includes a referendum for autonomy in the 5 provinces that still have not held such plebiscite: Chuquisaca, La Paz, Cochabamba, Oruro and Potosí. The voting is also due in December 6. The new electoral register will be a biometric one, as it will include fingerprints, photo, signature and personal data of the citizens with the right to vote.

Recognition of indigenous rights
During his term, Moraleshas promoted several initiatives in favour of improving representation of indigenous peoples in Bolivian institutions. He is an Aymara himself, and has included members of other indigenous communities in his cabinet. The Bolivian Constitution recognizes the right to their "self-government, their culture, the recognition of their institutions and the consolidation of their territorial entities". It also provides for a significant progress regarding indigenous languages, since they are all granted official status alongside Castilian.

Further information:

• ABI: Morales promulga ley electoral en un día que califica de "inolvidable y memorable"
  
• La Razón: Decenas de indígenas celebran en la Plaza Murillo la aprobación de la Ley Electoral
  
• Radio Fides: Bolivia va a elecciones y referéndum en diciembre
  
• Nationalia:Constitutional referendum reveals Bolivia's split