Did Bolivians already have enough of President Evo Morales? Well, partial results and unofficial quick counts from the referendum on Sunday seemed to indicate that they had ditched the constitutional amendment. The said legislative revision would allow Morales to stay in power for his fourth term.

Morales was elected as the first Bolivian leader who's an indigenous Aymara in 2006. His current term will end in 2020, but the constitutional change would have allowed him to keep his position until 2025. Unfortunately, the Bolivians have spoken out, leaving a grim picture for the former coca leaf producer's political future.

Bolivia's Referendum

Almost 6.5 million Bolivians participated in the referendum on Sunday, Feb. 21. The referendum seeks to ratify the proposed amendment of Article 168 of the nation's political constitution. The revision was approved by the Legislative Assembly last September.

Under the constitutional change, the law would allow Bolivia's president to rule for three consecutive terms. As opposed to the two succeeding five-year terms and an extra term following a five-year haitus (one-term) that are currently stated on its legislation.

Opposition Supporters

While Morales has been optimistic about the result of the referendum, the "no" vote won at 59 percent. Opposition supporters celebrated the partial results, but the Bolivian government stressed that there was a "technical tie" since rural votes were not yet counted.

"We need to wait with serenity for the final results. It's not time to begin partying yet," Morales said. "Life goes on and our struggle and efforts [to improve the country] will continue."

Morales' Love Scandal

Aside from the weakening tolerance of the Bolivian voters to their government due to corruption, Morales' "influence-peddling scandal" has also made matters worse for the nation's first indigenous leader.

The controversy involving the president's ex-lover and a lethal political violence incident came two weeks ago. A journalist exposed that Morales' former lady love was appointed as a sales manager for a Chinese firm. The said company, CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd, has reportedly acquired almost $500 million in "no-bid state contracts."

Morales, however, repudiated any indecency. He also insisted that he last saw the woman in 2007 when their child died. Unfortunately, the controversy deepened uncertainties about the integrity of his governance.

No to "Re-Election"

Morales has been instrumental for the economic growth of the nation for the past several years. But despite being a popular leader, many believed that Morales should not be allowed to serve 19 consecutive years as the head of state.

According to opposition leader Samuel Doria Medina, Morales should concentrate on solving issues that plague the nation instead of running for another term. He also said that the president should acknowledged the poll results.