Likely Bolivian president backs coca-farming

Evo Morales, the leftist claiming victory in Bolivia’s presidential race, stayed true to his coca-growing roots yesterday by repeating promises to stop the US-backed eradication of coca, saying the crop that provides the raw material for cocaine is part of Bolivian culture.

Initial results showed Morales with a smashing victory over seven opponents that would make him the first Indian president in the 180-year history of independent Bolivia and solidify a continental shift to the political left.