On October 13, 2008, Bolivian President Evo Morales joined a march of an estimated 10,000 people in support of the proposed constitutional referendum. The march was intended to persuade the two-thirds of the Bolivian congress needed to move the referendum forward. The proposed amendments to the constitution also faced opposition from lesser represented groups, as the amendments would nationalize all idle lands, gas, oil and mineral resources, to the benefit of Bolivia's indigenous population. The referendum was eventually approved on January 25, 2009. Bolivia is estimated to be 62% indigenous; Morales is the first indigenous president to be elected into office in Bolivia.

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Learn more about Bolivian president Evo Morales from the JURIST news archive.

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