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