Bolivia head set for vote gamble

Mr Morales said the vote should provide the final word on his reform programme, which several governors oppose.

Bolivia has seen violent protests for and against a draft new constitution.

Mr Morales says the reforms will give poor Bolivians a say in running the country but his opponents argue they give the government too much power.

Speaking on television, Mr Morales said he would be sending a proposal to Congress to put his leadership to the popular vote.

He challenged the regional governors to submit their mandates to a referendum as well.

"If the people say 'Evo's going', I don't have a problem with that. Let the people say who goes and who stays," Mr Morales said.

"If they are democrats, let's bet on democracy."

Strikes

At least three regional governors have indicated they would be ready for a referendum but opposition leaders have voiced scepticism at the move, saying President Morales had made a similar proposal in January.

Bolivia has seen widespread and often violent protests and strikes over the proposed constitutional changes.

A constituent assembly has been drafting the new constitution and has until 14 December to approve the charter in full.

It would then be put to a referendum next year.

Government supporters say the changes would give greater political representation to marginalised and indigenous groups.

But the opposition have criticised the plans for allowing the president to seek re-election indefinitely.

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