_WORLD WATCH______________________________
________________Bolivia_______________
Breakthrough agreement
Bishops as brokers in political crisis
After lengthy negotiations sponsored by the Bolivian Bishops’ Conference (CEB), leaders of labor unions, corporate alliances, and political parties have agreed to a “pact of governability” to save Bolivian democracy from a serious crisis. The agreement was expected to end a series of general strikes, business lockouts, and political stalemates that had crippled the economy and threatened the viability of the existing governmental system.
The agreement, brokered by Archbishop Edmundo Abastoflor of La Paz, ended months of political conflict and social unrest that jeopardized Bolivia’s democracy. The agreement came 14 months before the next scheduled general elections. Delegates from all political parties represented in the parliament, as well as from the civil service and the main labor unions, agreed to a process that may include a referendum or constitutional assembly to reform Bolivia’s constitution.
“This has been a long process, but has resulted in great fruits,” said Archbishop Abastoflor. “All parties involved have decided to give hope to Bolivians, because this marks a moment in which we all win and nobody loses,” he added. Under the terms of the agreement, all political parties have agreed to support legislation that will convene a constitutional assembly and a referendum on constitutional reform, make politicians more accountable for their votes, and give an electoral court greater power to monitor the political process.
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