It's unusual for an army - whether of a revolution of the ruling party stands down during the election. But that is the case in Bolivia today. This in spite of a violent outburst by a senator loyal to Morales' party.

(Senator) Loayza suggested Wednesday that Bolivia was not ready to accept a ''neoliberal'' government headed by Quiroga, that Morales' Movement Toward Socialism party has held conversations with army ''generals and colonels'' as well as police about taking power -- even by force.

''Quiroga (the candidate opposing Morales for President) will not last even six months, and from then on we'll have a winner [Evo Morales] who has to assume the presidential seat,'' Loayza said. ``Toward that end, we have already spoken with some in the military and police. Possibly without spilling blood, we will enter the palace.''

His remarks were roundly critized, not only by today's Miami Herald, but also by his people, who have long awaited a peaceful change of regime after a struggle tainted with violence.

Morales has prevailed:

In October of 2003, Evo Morales led an uprising in Bolivia that ousted former president Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada. In a vain effort to retain his position, Lozada had ordered his troops to shoot to kill. In spite of this, the US State Department assured Lozada of support in his "effort to restore order". More than 80 protesters died, and Lozada fled in disgrace to the US, where he has been in hiding since.

"We want to charge him with economic damages and crimes against humanity," Morales said. "We are soon going to see him in prison."

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Lozada was found guilty of crimes against humanity by the Bolivian senate, including representatives from his own party, and fled to the US for refuge.

The results from the polls will be in later today. Whatever the result, Evo Morales is the winner.

David Roknich,

DOGSPOT