IRI Launches Bolivia Program with Politics and Politicians in Bolivia Forum

March 31, 2004

In coordination with the Asociación Boliviana de Ciencias Políticas (ABCP) and Konrad Adenauer, IRI Bolivia held its first event just 30 days after opening its doors. The forum, entitled "Politics and Politicians in Bolivia", was held in La Paz on March 31 in the Entel auditorium. This event was the first in a series of analysis forums that is designed to facilitate constructive and informed discussion among political parties, elected officials, civil society, and the Bolivian public at large.

The event's main speakers were Mr. F.C. Mancillas, a political analyst, Sentor Hugo Carvajal (MIR), and Oscar Olmedos, an economic analyst with the University Nuestra Senora de La Paz. The panelists spoke on their perceptions of the main problems facing the Bolivian party system, including conservative culture, authoritarian tradition, and lacking party philosophy. Over 150 people attended the two and a half hour, standing room only, event. Party leaders, diputados, senators, international activists, civil society leaders, and university students were among those present.

IRI has received overwhelming positive feedback on the event, from party leaders to civic leaders to international organization representatives. IRI will publish a forum review with the three presentations as well as the debate that followed for distribution. IRI and ABCP are currently planning the second forum in this series for May 2004.

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