Riots Shake Bolivia Over Constitution

SUCRE, Bolivia — Riots convulsed Bolivia's colonial capital yesterday after allies of President Morales approved the framework for a new constitution that would permit his indefinite re-election and could radically alter Bolivian politics. At least two people, including a police officer, were killed.

A full article-by-article version of the constitution, which would establish a multiethnic state with 36 self-governing regions for indigenous groups, has yet to be approved.

But Mr. Morales yesterday declared that the new charter's essence has now been determined. Voters will determine its fate, he said, without giving a date.

"The constitution will be approved in a referendum by the people, which is the most democratic" way, Mr. Morales, 48, said.