Bolivia Holds Presidential Election

Bolivians vote Sunday in an election expected to hand President Evo Morales a second term in office.

A recent poll showed Mr. Morales with a commanding lead over his closest rival, Manfred Reyes Villa, the former governor of Cochabamba state.

Mr. Morales was elected to office in 2005. He is Bolivia's first indigenous elected president.

Mr. Morales spearheaded amendments to Bolivia's constitution in January to allow him to run for a second five-year term in office.

During his first term in office, Mr. Morales increased state control over Bolivia's mining and energy sectors.

A strong economy and social programs are cited as the basis of popular support for the 50-year-old former coca farmer.