Bolivia set to adopt new constitution empowering indigenous majority

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/23/bolivia-indigenous-charter


Bolivia set to adopt new constitution empowering indigenous majority
Bolivians expected to endorse charter to end centuries of oppression for indigenous population

Rory Carroll, Latin America correspondent
and Andres Schipani in La Paz
guardian.co.uk, Friday 23 January 2009 13.08 GMT


Since Francisco Pizarro's conquistadors first clanked into their domain almost 500 years ago, Bolivia's indigenous people have been subjugated and marginalised by European overlords and their descendants.

But after a bruising struggle between supporters and opponents of President Evo Morales, the country is now poised to adopt a new constitution which could prove a watershed for South America. A referendum on Sunday is expected to endorse a charter which supporters say will empower the indigenous majority and roll back half a millennium of colonialism, discrimination and humiliation.

Indigenous leaders gathered in the baroque hall of La Paz's presidential palace this week to give thanks to their champion Morales, a former llama herder who rose to the highest office and delivered, as he promised, a revolution.

In a scene unimaginable just a few years ago the visitors, dressed in the ponchos, colourful skirts and bowler hats of highland peasants, played pan pipe music, chewed coca leaves and spilled alcohol on the mahogany floor as an offering to Pachamama, or Mother Earth, a goddess revered in the Andes.

"We will offer unanimous support to this new constitution," said David Choque, a traditional Aymara leader. His companions exploded in cries of "Jallalla", a call to arms and expression of triumph. Half a century ago indigenous people were banned from the palace.

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