Census handling will stoke tensions in Bolivia

Significance

The census provides the basis for the distribution of seats in the Chamber of Deputies and defines the proportions of tax receipts that are channelled to decentralised tiers of government. The most belligerent criticisms come from Santa Cruz -- now Bolivia’s most populous department -- reflecting long-standing regionalist demands.

Impacts

• Santa Cruz will push further to maximise the number of deputies it is allotted.
• Potosi and Chuquisaca emerge negatively affected.
• Internal migration towards lowland Bolivia will persist.
• Further conflicts will arise over funding transfers to sub-national governments.