In line with a controversial provision of the new autonomy law, Mario
Cossío, the governor of the gas-rich eastern department of Tarija (and a leading
critic of President Evo Morales), was suspended from his post last month to be
investigated for corruption. Cossío, who maintains the charges are politically
motivated, is the first opposition governor to be removed, leaving just two of
Bolivia's nine departments - Santa Cruz and Beni - in opposition hands. His
ejection follows a spate of similar moves against mayors in key posts, leaving
Morales open to accusations of “judicialising" politics and acting
undemocratically to neutralise his opponents.End of preview - This article contains approximately 1005 words.
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