The Political Party System in Bolivia 2004 - 2006: Opportunities for Pro-Poor Reform

Publication Date: January 2007

Publisher: National Democratic Institute for International Affairs

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Economic reform; Bolivia, Poverty reduction

Type: Report

Coverage: Bolivia

Abstract:

This report examines recent political developments in Bolivia between 2004 and 2006 and, with an eye to domestic political leaders, revisits historic challenges that have shaped the role of Bolivia's political party system in pro-poor reform processes. This work builds on previous reviews and engagement with political parties, donors and other actors around how to increase political ownership of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) in 2002-2003.

This current report takes this previous work into the current context under which the political and institutional arrangements of Bolivian democracy are being re-defined, by a pro-poor and popular government, but faced by serious regional and other divisions. The analysis provides a good overview of the evolution of the current political situation and political parties in particular, and insights into the internal and external crisis of the political system.