Bolivia passes law to permit 4th presidential term for Morales
Bolivian lawmakers have passed a constitutional amendment that would give the country’s President Evo Morales permission to seek a fourth term in office if approved in a national plebiscite.
Bolivia’s Plurinational Legislative Assembly approved the measure on a 112-41 vote on Saturday.
The amendment to the constitution will be also put to national referendum, which is expected to take place in February 2016.
Commenting on the parliament’s decision on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in the US city of New York, Morales said he had been invited to extend his term in office.
“It’s the feeling of the people, even of Congress; I understand perfectly. I’m not trying to stay in power forever. I also want to tell you, some have said, 'Evo forever',” he said.
The Bolivian parliament’s decision had been expected since Morales’ supporters control two-thirds of the legislature.
Opponents of Morales, however, have criticized the constitutional change as an attempt by the government to undermine democracy in the South American country.
Morales became president of Bolivia in 2005. He was reelected in 2009 and 2014. The approval rating of the country’s first indigenous president currently stands at above 60 percent, according to reports.
In 2013, the Bolivian president presented the “2025 Patriotic Agenda,” a blueprint for development of the country, which includes the eradication of extreme poverty, an independent financial system, better health and education for all citizens and national control over food production and national resources.
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