Bolivia

Abstract

CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT. The Republic of Bolivia was proclaimed on 16 Aug. 1825; its first constitution was adopted on 19 Nov. 1826. The present constitution—the thirteenth—was adopted in 1947. Executive power is vested in a President, elected for 4 years by direct popular vote, and not eligible for immediate re-election. In the event of his death or failure to assume the office, the Vice-President, elected at the same time, assumes the presidency, and after him, the President of the Senate. There is a Congress of 2 chambers (Senate and Chamber of Deputies) which meets annually on 6 Aug. at La Paz. Under the electoral law of 1956, 17 senators and 68 deputies are elected in proportion to the political districts; the department of La Paz has 3 senators. One deputy represents about 40,000 electors. The electorate comprises all men over 18 years and women over 21 if single or 18 years of age if married. Indians are eligible regardless of literacy. About 160,000 qualified for the elections of 18 May 1951, but since 1952, when the literacy test was abolished, the potential electorate has risen to more than 2–5m.