Freedom in the World Tension within the base of the ruling
Movement toward Socialism (MAS) party increased during the year,
with several local episodes of social conflict and a national
mobilization in December against a decree that would have
sharply increased gasoline prices. However, local and regional
elections were effectively carried out in April 2010. The post-
constitutional reform process continued with the passage of
dozens of new laws, including major new anticorruption and
antiracism bills. After achieving independence from Spain in
1825, the Republic of Bolivia endured recurrent instability and
military rule. However, the armed forces, responsible for more
than 180 coups in 157 years, refrained from political
intervention after 1982, allowing a regular succession of
civilian presidents over the next two decades. No candidate in
the 2002 presidential election won a majority of the popular
vote, and under Bolivia’s constitution, members of the National
Congress were tasked with deciding the outcome.