Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Bolivian President Evo Morales Suspends Hunger Strike

EVO MORALES SUSPENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Congress approves new electoral law

LA PAZ. – Bolivian President Evo Morales ended his hunger strike on Tuesday minutes after Congress approved a new Electoral Transition Law, which will guarantee the general elections on December 6.

At a press conference in the Presidential Palace, where he has led this measure of pressure since last Thursday together with 13 leaders of social organizations, Morales thanked those who supported his protest and announced that the law will be enacted in a public event at 8:00 AM.

"The people must not forget that processes of change are achieved through struggle. We cannot guarantee this revolutionary process alone, but it is possible with the strength of the people," he emphasized.

The law, approved by legislators after several days of debates and obstacles by the opposition, also allows for regional elections in April 2010.

Morales had proposed drawing up a new biometric electoral register, which left the opposition without any argument for blocking the law passing through Congress.

The day before, leaders of the National Coordination Committee for Change and the Bolivian Workers’ Central Organization called on their support bases to hold a massive demonstration on Tuesday in Plaza Murillo, facing Parliament, to demand the passing of the electoral law, which they will now celebrate with their president. (PL)

Translated by Granma International

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