Bolivia's democracy 'will be protected'

THE commander of Bolivia's armed forces pledged yesterday to safeguard the country's democracy, urging politicians poised to elect a successor to President Carlos Mesa to act "serenely" to end Bolivia's growing political crisis.

Navy Admiral Luis Aranda Granados went on national television to urge the lawmakers to remain within the bounds of the constitution and hear the "will of the people". But he rejected Mr Mesa's claim the country was on the brink of a civil war.

"It's evident that there does exist a risk of confrontation between Bolivians, but I would say the term 'civil war' is too extreme," Adm Granados said.

"We are making a serene call for all actors in this conflict ... to arrive at a real solution," he added.

In Sucre, lawmakers held an emergency session of Congress to name a replacement for the US-backed Mr Mesa, who resigned on Monday after weeks of violent street protests. They were expected to name Senate leader Hormando Vaca Diez, a conservative lawyer. Protesters have vowed to drive Mr Vaca Diez from office if he assumes the presidency.

Mr Vaca Diez later announced the postponement of the congressional session so party leaders could meet.

Street protests by indigenous groups, miners, students, labour activists and farmers have crippled Bolivia since May 14.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators have marched almost daily in the paralysed capital of La Paz, demanding more social benefits for the poor and such steps as nationalising Bolivia's oil industry.

The protesters are demanding Mr Vaca Diez and the next-in-line to succeed Mr Mesa both step down to allow the Supreme Court chief justice take power and call early elections.

Leftist opposition leader Evo Morales said Mr Vaca Diez was another discredited member of the "mafia of the oligarchy" that has ruled Bolivia for decades.