Bolivia's tug-of-war

Bolivia's regional disparities, rivalries, and historical roles will become palpable this week as a debate continues over which city should be the capital.

Since 1899, La Paz has housed both the executive and legislative branches of government, whereas quieter Sucre has been the seat of the judiciary. But the idea to shift the seat of government from La Paz to Sucre has sparked demonstrations, both for and against, and is challenging President Evo Morales's ability to impose discipline within his ruling Movimiento al Socialismo party.

The challenge to La Paz's status as de facto capital is a brainchild of the elite in the eastern capital of Santa Cruz, who redoubled efforts to establish a greater degree of autonomy from La Paz after the election of Morales at the end of 2005. It is something of a manufactured controversy that will continue to grow in importance, eclipsing other more pressing concerns under discussion in the assembly. The opposition will use the issue to derail proposed constitutional reforms, a pillar of Morales's plans to empower the indigenous majority in the west. The government will be seek to reduce tensions, which provide an opportunity for the MAS's opponents in Santa Cruz to take advantage of the split. In the meantime, further regional rallies are being planned in Sucre and La Paz.