Leftist Win in Uruguay Elections

Uruguay's left wing political coalition, the Broad Front party (Frente Amplio), retained control of the presidency in the November elections. This wasn't just any election. The winner, flower farmer Jose "Pepe" Mujica, was the victim of imprisonment and torture during Operation Condor in the 1970's as a result of his efforts as a Tupamaro rebel. During that period of military dictatorship, the new president spent fourteen years in prison, including two years confined at the bottom of a well.

Leftist Win in Uruguay Elections

Evo Morales routs rivals to win second term in Bolivian elections

Exit polls last night put President Evo Morales on course for a big victory in the Bolivian electionstomorrow, bolstering his empowerment of the indigenous majority under a socialist banner.

Since 2005 GDP in Bolivia, one of South America's poorest countries, has jumped from $9bn to $19bn, pushing up per capita income to $1,671. Foreign currency reserves have soared thanks partly to revenue from the nationalised energy and mining sectors. The IMF expects economy to grow 2.8% next year, stellar by regional standards.


Evo Morales routs rivals to win second term in Bolivian elections | World news | The Guardian

Beyond the Votes in Bolivia: A Reflection on Evo Morales’ First Term

The history of popular struggle in Bolivia took an unexpected turn when Evo Morales, the candidate of the socialist party...

Upside Down World - Beyond the Votes in Bolivia: A Reflection on Evo Morales’ First Term