The challenge of reconciliation. A Message to all Bolivians

By Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé,

Former President of the Republic

More than two years ago I assumed the presidency to lead a crucial stage of political transition, I did this with the firm purpose of preserving democratic values and principles, the country's unity and continuity.

Now, I find it my duty to convey to all Bolivians my concern at the difficult hours we face again. I do so calmly, without encouraging fights, convinced that there is no prospect of civilized coexistence without the rule of law, without mutual respect and convergence between rulers and ruled, without a fruitful dialogue.

The relationship between Constitution and Democracy is not simple, the texts do not always correspond to the ideals and it is normal to produce tensions. Hence the importance of the responsible exercise of "constituent power" by all citizens and particularly by our assemblymen and leaders, national and local. The constituent power must synthesize our purposes to live in peace, reconciling our differences, organizing a state in which the exercise of public authority has limits and responds to the interests of all the same. This exercise has not had a reasonable performance, its first results have been dyed by illegitimacy, violence and confrontation that has already claimed innocent victims. In Oruro the Constituent Assembly adopted a spurious text, known only by an official partiality, without following the established procedures and without a pluralistic and democratic discussion. These practices violate the right to dissent and reproduce practices of intolerance and exclusion, so I join the condemnation of the abuses of the legal system and all sectarian practices, racism and intolerance which open old and new wounds, rather than helping loyal and peacefully to draw a new social pact.

It is imperative to amend the current constitution and begin a process for the new Constitution to become an expression of a genuine vocation for coexistence and non-sectarian or hegemonic projects of any kind.

I appeal to all, without exception, by place of origin, race or creed, to recover our challenge for reconciliation, for the players of the national policy to be able to conclude agreements democratic, respecting the law, institutions and aspirations that unite all us all Bolivians in our diversity. In particular I invoke Evo Morales, President of the Republic, to bet on unity and peace in a country that prefers to look to the future with hope and with less rancor.

May the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity of the holiday season inspire greater tolerance and harmony among all.