This Spanish language article discusses potential impact of the October 18 elections on issues of concern to indigeneous communities throughout Bolivia. Alex Villca, spokesperson for the National Coordinator for the Defense of Indigenous Peasant Territories and Protected Areas of Bolivia (CONTIOCAP), was quoted in the article. When asked “what he expects from the new general elections to elect president, vice president, senators and deputies “ he replied “Basically nothing.”
Although “more than 49% of the Bolivian population self-identifies as indigenous",” not all voices have been heard equally. Per Villca: “Aymara and Quechua brothers have been gaining a more visible space in politics, which has allowed them to expand their domination over other indigenous peoples.” The constitutional “right to prior, free, informed and good faith consultation", has been breached “during the government of Evo Morales and the current transitory government.” He also expressed concern that “The need to reactivate the economy, hit by the pandemic, will probably serve as a pretext to “direct extractive projects and megaprojects (mining, oil, hydroelectric, agricultural, forestry, etc.) within indigenous territories and areas with more violence. protected areas of Bolivia, which today hold the greatest natural and cultural wealth in the country.”