Bolivia: Unofficial returns show President Evo Morales easily winning reelection

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

President Evo Morales, with unofficial results showing him easily winning a second term, vowed today to bring more social change to Bolivia by increasing state control over the economy and generating more political power for indigenous citizens.

The 50-year-old Morales, who became the country’s first indigenous president in 2005, captured more than 60% of the votes cast Sunday, according to estimates, giving him an easy victory over his closest challenger, former state governor Manfred Reyes Villa, who received an estimated 27%. Official results were still pending Monday night.

The unofficial results also indicate that Morales’ Movement Toward Socialism party could win two-thirds of the seats in Congress.

Supporters praise Morales for programs such as those that provide subsidies for schoolchildren and the elderly.

Critics say he has discouraged foreign investment by increasing state control over businesses, including the energy industry.

-- Efrain Hernandez Jr.