SANTA CRUZ, BOLIVIA–Canadian voters who stay home on Election Day may take some ribbing from friends or co-workers, but in Bolivia there’s another reason to go out and vote beyond a feeling you performed your civic duty. In the South American country, your bank account could be frozen, you may not be able to cash a paycheque and you could get fined for staying home.
The country is voting in a constitutional referendum Sunday, one in which voters will decide whether president Evo Morales should be given an opportunity to run for a fourth consecutive term in office, something not permitted now.
Until a few weeks ago, public opinion polls showed Morales’ side ahead; but, in recent days, voters’ viewpoints have shifted. The outcome is now considered too close to call.
READ MORE: Bolivia lawmakers approve constitutional change to let Morales seek 4th term
Some voters outside a Santa Cruz polling station told Global News it’s time for Morales to go, citing charges of corruption. In past elections, it’s been shown that deceased Bolivians were still on voters’ lists–and were still casting ballots.
Normally on a Sunday, city streets are teeming with traffic as families make their way to social events, church services and other commitments. But to add further incentive to go to the polls, president Morales ordered domestic air travel halted, public transit shut down and stores and businesses closed. Taxis also aren’t allowed to run.
And in advance of the vote, alcohol sales were stopped for 48 hours–Bolivians caught drinking risked being thrown in jail.
With all the encouragements, polling stations were busy throughout the day. Here most voters don’t consider casting a ballot a choice: it’s an obligation and a financial necessity.
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