Presidential elections are slated for June 30, and election officials are concerned that ongoing unrest could jeopardize the vote. Bolivia’s National Electoral Court has urged President Jorge Quiroga to make progress on resolving issues that have caused protests, principally the demand by indigenous people to retain their right to grow coca for local consumption. Several times in the past year this issue has created protests and roadblocks in the Chapare region, in the areas around Lake Titicaca and in the Yungas region northeast of La Paz. Numerous groups from around the country are converging on La Paz to press for greater participation in government, including amending the constitution to create a constituent assembly. Unrest is possible.
