Political Crisis Deepens in Bolivia

Two of Bolivia's opposition parties are planning toillegally.
protest a government plan to redistribute land to poorAlso Wednesday, governors of the six richest
peasants.departments in Bolivia said they have broken relations
The Bolivian newspaper El Deber said Wednesdaywith Mr. Morales.
that 14 senators from the National Unity and PodemosThe governors represent areas where most of
parties oppose the land redistribution plan backed byBolivia's economic strength is concentrated, including
President Evo Morales. It said the lawmakers will notthe agriculturally rich eastern lowlands and the urban
attend the senate until the ruling party backs down.centers of La Paz and Cochabamba.
Bolivia has 27 senators, and the opposition boycottSince taking office this year, Mr. Morales has begun a
effectively means the legislative body will not have afive-year plan to redistribute farmland to indigenous
quorum to conduct business.communities. He has also moved to take control of the
The lower house of congress, where Mr. Morales'oil and gas industry, citing what he has called centuries
party has an ample majority, has already passedof foreign exploitation.
legislation that would make it easier for the state toSome information for this report was provided by
take over land that is not being used or was acquiredReuters.