2006 Bolivian regional autonomy referendum

A referendum on granting greater autonomy to the departments of Bolivia was held on 2 July 2006,[1] alongside elections for a Constitutional Assembly.[2] Whilst it was approved in four of the nine departments, the proposal was rejected by 58% of voters nationally.

Results

The question asked was:

Do you agree, within the framework of national unity, with giving the Constituent Assembly the binding mandate to establish a regime of departmental autonomy, applicable immediately after the promulgation of the new Political Constitution of the State in the Departments where this Referendum has a majority, so that their authorities are chosen directly by the citizens and receive from the National Government executive authority, administrative power and financial resources that the Political Constitution of the State and the Laws grant them?[1]

Choice Votes %
For 1,237,312 42.41
Against 1,680,017 57.59
Invalid/blank votes 220,995
Total 3,138,324 100
Registered voters/turnout 3,713,376 84.51
Source: IFES

By Department

Department For Against Invalid/
blank
Total Registered
voters
Turnout
Votes % Votes %
Beni 74,059 73.83 26,247 26.17 5,476 105,782 128,836 82.11
Chuquisaca 59,557 37.77 98,135 62.23 18,342 176,034 211,170 83.36
Cochabamba 194,461 36.97 331,600 63.03 41,748 567,809 662,219 85.74
La Paz 256,664 26.56 709,848 73.44 65,313 1,031,825 1,191,901 86.57
Oruro 39,486 24.52 121,564 75.48 13,809 174,859 201,267 86.88
Pando 11,401 57.69 8,362 42.31 796 20,559 24,691 83.27
Potosí 51,886 26.88 141,141 73.12 27,696 220,723 275,281 80.18
Santa Cruz 466,826 71.11 189,622 28.89 35,739 692,187 838,846 82.52
Tarija 82,972 60.80 53,498 39.20 12,076 148,546 179,165 82.91
Total 1,237,312 42.41 1,680,017 57.59 220,995 3,138,324 3,713,376 84.51
Source: Direct Democracy

References

  1. ^ a b Election Profile IFES
  2. ^ Bolivia 'backs Morales reforms' BBC News, 3 July 2006