Fourth Bolivian state declares autonomy in referendum

Natural gas-rich Tarija became the fourth Bolivian state to declare autonomy from the government of leftist President Evo Morales when voters backed greater independence in a referendum, according to a private quick-count of votes.Autonomy supporters waved the state's flag and celebrated in Tarija's capital after polling company Ipsos Apoyo, Opinion and Mercado released results showing the ''yes'' vote getting 82 per cent support.

Natural gas-rich Tarija became the fourth Bolivian state to declare autonomy from the government of leftist President Evo Morales when voters backed greater independence in a referendum, according to a private quick-count of votes.Autonomy supporters waved the state's flag and celebrated in Tarija's capital after polling company Ipsos Apoyo, Opinion ... ...Mercado released results showing the ''yes'' vote getting 82 per cent support. Electoral officials said there would be no final results until Wednesday.The referendum followed similar votes, with similar results, in three other lowland states.Morales has called the referenda illegal attempts to cripple his government.

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