Bolivian State Votes for Autonomy

Early exit polls indicate more than 80 percent of votersgovernors seeking looser ties to La Paz.
in a referendum in Bolivia's eastern state of SantaOpponents of the measure clashed with voters at
Cruz cast ballots in favor of autonomy.several polling stations on Sunday. Authorities say
Santa Cruz residents have already begun to celebratedozens of people were injured.
Sunday's vote. It is not clear when the final results willCritics of the autonomy measure accused business
be in.leaders in the east of trying to stop tax money from
Supporters of the autonomy referendum are seekinggoing to poor communities in the west. Supporters said
greater control over the region's government andsome of that money should benefit needy residents in
natural resources. They also want to protect largethe east.
plantations and ranches from Bolivian President EvoThree other areas in eastern Bolivia have scheduled
Morales' land redistribution proposals.autonomy votes in coming weeks, and two others
The president has called the autonomy initiative illegalalso are considering votes.
and unconstitutional. However, in a speech Sunday heSome information for this report was provided by AFP
said he is willing to discuss autonomy with stateand AP.