Eusebio Sira is a peasant farmer from San Ignacio de Moxos. He says it is very hard for his community to get its voice heard as the government doesn't listen to them. photo: Christian Aid
'Many indigenous people in Bolivia are very poor and have very few civil and political rights.'

For the first time in Bolivia’s history, members of the indigenous population have been elected to the local council in Ignacio de Moxos. In a country where politics has traditionally been the domain of the rich and large landowners, this marks a significant change and has increased the hope that democracy will start to work for the poor.

Many indigenous people in Bolivia are very poor and have very few civil and political rights. Christian Aid partner, the Centre for Research and Training of Peasants (CIPCA) has worked in San Ignacio de Moxos since 1997, helping communities to get land rights and helping people to understand and exercise their civil rights.

Oscar Bazoberry Chali is CICPA’s director, he says, ‘CIPCA and other organisations that promote democracy are very worried that in some areas of Bolivia, indigenous people and other large sectors of the population have been excluded from participating in politics.’

Land rights
As Eusebio Sira, a peasant farmer from San Ignacio de Moxos, explains ‘Our community leaders fight to defend our land but they’re so often disrespected. Through our leaders we ask the government to respect us, but the government doesn’t listen.’

Now that these communities are represented in local government, indigenous peasant farmers hope that the situation will improve. ‘It is important to have land. We have to provide for our children. The land is where we get our sustenance from.’

Hope for the future

These two councillors have shown that change can be brought about. Oscar points out, ‘it is important to acknowledge the enthusiasm and hard work of the indigenous organisations.

Today, they are victorious in an election process in which they competed against traditional political parties. This experience has demonstrated that by working together to penetrate the system of municipal government, indigenous groups are an important force and they have to be taken into account.’

CIPCA hopes that this is an indicator for future progress. Oscar says, ‘the communities hope that their representatives will obtain public investment for their communities and treat the inhabitants without any kind of prejudice.’

Christian Aid support

The work in San Ignacio de Moxos has not been easy for members of CIPCA. Staff received threats and at times violence broke out. Some have moved away from the area. Oscar also acknowledges that there is still much to be done. A large number of municipalities still have no indigenous representation.

However, Oscar believes their work is important and is making a difference to the lives of many indigenous peasant farmers.

He says, ‘Christian Aid has supported CIPCA since it began working in San Ignacio de Moxos. CIPCA believes this relationship is very important and many funding organisations would not be willing to work in such difficult situations.’