How the census has provoked mass protests in Bolivia

When one thinks of strikes, street rallies, and political protests, a population census is not the first issue that comes to mind as the reason behind it. But this week’s paralyzation of Santa Cruz de la Sierra – the largest, richest, and most populous department in Bolivia – did not come as a result of labor conflicts, tax reforms, or border disputes.

Instead, the turmoil was a result of the province’s demand for the immediate completion of the country’s national census, which has turned into the region’s most hotly contested issue.

One might wonder how demographics can create such a fuss. But many countries, including Bolivia, allocate economic resources (including the proceeds from its crucial oil and gas sector) and congressional representation on the basis of population data.

Santa Cruz, which has been in conflict with the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party since Evo Morales became president in 2006, has seen its population grow at a much higher rate than the country’s average. 

In fact, this is not the first time the Bolivian census has driven regional animosity. 

Back in 2012, a difference of 300,000 people between the early headcount and the final census results also led to...