Bolivian coca farmers put hopes in one of their own

Bolivian coca farmers who fear their livelihood and Indian identity is threatened by US-backed efforts to uproot the crop that makes cocaine, are pinning their hopes on one of their own who has become the front-runner for the country’s presidency.

Former coca farmer Evo Morales, 45, has promised that if elected on December 4, he will decriminalise all coca farming. That would mean an end to a decade-old crop eradication programme that has led to clashes between farmers and soldiers in which dozens have died.