Ethnic Parties In Bolivia: What About Peru?

Bolivia is a multi-ethnic and multilingual society, with a population of around 11 million people. The country is home to various ethnic, religious, and national groups, including indigenous peoples, Old World immigrants, and their descendants. While the indigenous population constitutes a significant portion of the country's demographics, Bolivia's ethnic landscape is diverse, with several recognised indigenous groups and languages. This diversity has influenced the country's political landscape, giving rise to ethnic parties that aim to represent the interests of specific indigenous groups.

In contrast, Peru, despite having a significant indigenous population and a history of civil wars and political instability, has not witnessed the formation of prominent ethnic parties. This raises the question of why ethnic parties have emerged in Bolivia but not in Peru. This topic warrants a detailed examination of historical, cultural, and socio-political factors in both countries to understand the divergent trajectories of ethnic party formation in these neighbouring South American nations.

The impact of Bolivia's adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Bolivia's adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has had a significant impact on the country, particularly in terms of recognising and protecting the rights of its indigenous population. Here are some key impacts of this adoption:

• Recognition of Indigenous Peoples: With the adoption of the UN Declaration, Bolivia acknowledged the existence and rights of its 36 recognised indigenous peoples, including the Quechua, Aymara, Chiquitano, Guaraní, and Moxeño, among others. This recognition was further strengthened by the country's new Constitution, which declared Bolivia a plurinational state.
• Promotion of Cultural Diversity: The Declaration's adoption affirmed the country's commitment to cultural diversity and the preservation of indigenous languages, traditions, and worldviews. Bolivia recognises 38 indigenous peoples, with a variety of languages and cultural practices, and the government has taken steps to promote and protect this diversity.
• Land and Territorial Rights: The UN Declaration bolstered indigenous land and territorial rights in Bolivia. The country has consolidated 23 million hectares of collective property under the status of Community Lands of Origin (TCOs), representing 21% of the country's land mass. Additionally, indigenous peoples have been granted autonomous self-governance, with 36 autonomies already established.
• Political Representation: The adoption of the UN Declaration, along with other factors, contributed to the election of Evo Morales as the country's first indigenous president in 2005. Morales embarked on a programme of extensive reform to address the marginalisation of the indigenous population, including rewriting the Constitution to provide greater empowerment to impoverished and marginalised indigenous communities.
• Social and Economic Development: Bolivia has made efforts to improve social and economic conditions for its indigenous peoples. The Framework Law of Mother Earth and Integral Development for Living Well aims to promote development in harmony and equilibrium with Mother Earth. Additionally, the Law Against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination seeks to address discrimination and promote equality.
• Environmental Conservation: The Declaration's adoption has influenced environmental policies in Bolivia. The country has taken steps to protect natural resources and biodiversity, with a focus on sustainable development. However, there are ongoing challenges regarding seismic work for oil and gas exploration and hydroelectric projects that impact indigenous territories.
• International Recognition: By adopting the UN Declaration as national law, Bolivia set a precedent and positioned itself as a leader in the recognition and protection of indigenous rights. This has contributed to intercultural dialogue and cooperation with other countries in the region.

The influence of the country's diverse ethnic composition

Bolivia is a multi-ethnic country with a diverse range of cultures. The population is estimated to be around 11 million, with the majority being Native South Americans (Amerindians) and mixed Native American and European ancestry (Mestizos). The Indigenous peoples in Bolivia are divided into two ethnic groups: the Andean highlanders and the lowlanders of the oriental Llanos region. The Andean highlanders include the Aymara and Quechua people, who form the largest indigenous communities in the country, and other smaller groups like the Chiquitano, Guaraní, Moxeño, and more. On the other hand, the lowlanders include the Chiquitano, Guaraní, Moxos, and other ethnic groups.

The diverse ethnic composition of Bolivia has had a significant influence on the formation of ethnic parties in the country. The Andean highlanders, with a long history of political protest and organisation, have largely supported left-wing and indigenous-centric political parties. The emergence of the Katarista movement, which emphasised cultural otherness and resistance against the ruling classes, played a crucial role in shaping the political identity of the highlanders. The formation of peasant unions and their close ties with political parties, such as the National Revolutionary Movement (MNR), further solidified their political influence.

In contrast, the lowlanders have historically had looser connections with the state and political parties due to their smaller population size and geographic distribution. However, this began to change in the late 1970s and 1980s with the emergence of organisations like the Indigenous Confederation of the East and Amazon of Bolivia (CIDOB). While the lowlanders have not formed their own distinct political parties, they have been actively involved in politics by forming alliances with various regional parties. Their voting behaviour tends to favour centre-right parties, which may be attributed to the Peasant-Military Pact formed with General René Barrientos Ortuño in the 1960s.

The divergence in political affiliations and voting behaviour between the Andean highlanders and lowlanders has had a significant impact on the formation of ethnic parties in Bolivia. The highlanders, with their larger population and stronger political organisation, have been more successful in establishing and influencing ethnic parties. On the other hand, the lowlanders, despite their growing political mobilisation, have tended to align with regional parties that best serve their interests, which may explain why ethnic parties have not formed exclusively within this group.

The role of historical suppression and political organisation of indigenous peoples

During the 20th century, the situation for indigenous peoples in Bolivia remained largely unchanged, with severe marginalisation and lack of representation. However, there were some significant developments, such as the 1952 Bolivian National Revolution, which brought about land reforms and greater inclusion of indigenous peoples in politics. The formation of peasant unions and the emergence of the Katarista movement, which emphasised cultural otherness and resistance against colonial rule, also played a crucial role in empowering indigenous communities and laying the foundation for ethnic parties.

In contrast, the lowland indigenous populations in Bolivia experienced a different trajectory. They had limited connections with the state and were often ignored by political parties due to their small population size and lack of voting power. Their lands were appropriated by highland farmers and landholders, and their rights were frequently violated by natural resource extraction projects. This history of exclusion and political disempowerment contributed to the lack of organised ethnic parties representing their interests specifically.

The voting behaviour of highland and lowland indigenous peoples in Bolivia also demonstrates distinct patterns. Highland indigenous peoples have predominantly supported left-wing and indigenous parties, such as the Movement for Socialism (MAS), which has strong ties with highland labour unions and indigenous organisations. On the other hand, lowland indigenous peoples have tended to vote for centre-right parties, reflecting their regional interests and power structures.

In conclusion, the formation of ethnic parties in Bolivia is closely tied to the historical suppression and political organisation of indigenous peoples. The highland indigenous populations, with a history of colonial exploitation and political activism, have successfully established ethnic parties advocating for their rights. In contrast, the lowland indigenous populations, facing exclusion and disempowerment, have been less successful in forming unified ethnic parties, instead finding representation within mainstream regional parties.

The significance of regional identity and power structures in voting behaviour

The formation of ethnic parties in Bolivia and their absence in Peru can be attributed to the significance of regional identity and power structures in voting behaviour. In Bolivia, the country's unique socio-ethnic panorama plays a crucial role in shaping political alliances and voting patterns. The country's diverse indigenous population, comprising both highland and lowland indigenous groups, has led to variations in voting behaviour based on regional identities and power dynamics.

In the highlands, the indigenous population has a long history of political protest and organisation, dating back to the colonial era. They have traditionally served as a cheap labour force in the mines and have experienced suppression and marginalisation. As a result, highland indigenous peoples have mostly voted for left-wing and indigenous parties, such as the Movement to Socialism (MAS), that promote pro-indigenous agendas and symbolism. On the other hand, lowland indigenous peoples in Bolivia have had looser linkages with the state and have often been ignored or marginalised in political processes. They tend to support centre-right parties and regional power structures, such as the lowland oligarchy, that promise short-term benefits and address regional interests.

The emergence of ethnic parties in Bolivia, such as MAS, can be attributed to the country's diverse indigenous population and the political mobilisation of these groups. MAS, led by Evo Morales, has successfully tapped into the demands of both highland and lowland indigenous peoples, offering an inclusive indigenous platform with a socialist background. However, the formation of ethnic parties in Peru has been hindered by the country's different historical and socio-political context, which has resulted in a lack of political mobilisation and organisation among indigenous groups.

In summary, the formation of ethnic parties in Bolivia is shaped by the country's diverse indigenous population and the varying degrees of political mobilisation and representation among highland and lowland indigenous groups. The voting behaviour of these groups is influenced by historical factors, regional identities, and the power structures that address their specific needs and interests.

The relationship between ethnic identity and political agendas or policies

Bolivia is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society, with a majority of the population made up of indigenous peoples and their descendants. The country has 36 recognised indigenous peoples, with the largest communities being the Andean Quechua and Aymara peoples, who together make up around half of the country's indigenous population.

Bolivia's ethnic diversity is reflected in its politics, with the emergence of ethnic parties such as the Katarista parties, and the election of Evo Morales, the country's first indigenous president, in 2005. The relationship between ethnic identity and political agendas or policies in Bolivia is complex and multifaceted.

On the one hand, the formation of ethnic parties and the election of an indigenous president can be seen as a reflection of the country's ethnic diversity and a recognition of the rights and interests of indigenous peoples. The election of Evo Morales, for example, has been accompanied by a series of reforms aimed at addressing the marginalisation of the country's indigenous population, including the redrafting of the country's Constitution to provide greater empowerment to impoverished and marginalised indigenous communities.

On the other hand, the relationship between ethnic identity and political agendas in Bolivia has also been characterised by tension and conflict. For example, while the Morales government has taken steps to protect indigenous rights and promote cultural diversity, it has also been criticised for failing to adequately address issues such as land rights and the impact of extractive industries on indigenous communities.

In addition, the relationship between ethnic identity and political agendas in Bolivia is not static but has evolved over time. For example, the emergence of the Katarista movement in the 1970s, which emphasised cultural otherness and resistance to the ruling classes, represented a politicisation of indigenous identity that set the stage for the formation of ethnic parties and the election of an indigenous president decades later.

Furthermore, the relationship between ethnic identity and political agendas in Bolivia is not uniform but varies across different indigenous groups. For example, while highland indigenous peoples have generally supported left-wing and pro-indigenous political parties, lowland indigenous peoples have tended to support centre-right parties. This divergence in political orientations has been attributed to historical factors, such as the integration of highland indigenous peoples into the colonial and republican state, as well as differences in political cultures and regional interests.

In conclusion, the relationship between ethnic identity and political agendas or policies in Bolivia is complex and multifaceted, shaped by historical factors, regional interests, and the evolving political landscape. While the formation of ethnic parties and the election of an indigenous president reflect a recognition of indigenous rights and interests, tensions and conflicts over issues such as land rights and extractive industries continue to shape the political landscape.

Frequently asked questions