The Bolivian President, Evo Morales, 49, has claimed victory after voters ratified a new leftist constitution, granting more power to the country's indigenous majority.  "The indigenous farmers, the most marginalized sector throughout the history of the republic, are now recognized as people with the same rights as any citizen. Here begins the new Bolivia. Here we begin to reach true equality," Morales told a crowd in front of the flag-draped balcony of Palacio Quemado in La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia.  Ratified with about 60 percent support in a referendum on Sunday based on exit polls, the new constitution lets Morales run for re-election later this year and grants him tighter control over the economy. An official vote count of some 3.8 million registered voters who cast their ballots will be announced February 4.
the bolivian president evo morales 49 has claimed victory after voters ratified a new leftist constitution granting more power to the country s indigenous majority the indigenous farmers the most marginalized sector throughout the history of the republic are now recognized as people with the same rights as any citizen here begins the new bolivia here we begin to reach true equality morales told a crowd in front of the flag draped balcony of palacio quemado in la paz the administrative capital of bolivia ratified with about 60 percent support in a referendum on sunday based on exit polls the new constitution lets morales run for re election later this year and grants him tighter control over the economy an official vote count of some 3 8 million registered voters who cast their ballots will be announced february 4