Public opinion in Bolivia thought that it was good to have a president with no political attachments (Mesa does not directly participate in any political party nad was invited by former president Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada to be his Vice President), nevertheless since Mesa became president, his lack of political support turns out to be more a liability than an asset. It is well known that he has difficulties passing laws in the legislative.

He took power with an executive cabinet composed of socalled "independent ministers" but as time goes by he is closer and closer related to the MBL, and the question comes to my mind "What kind of political support can you have from a party that has a minor representation in the legislative power?". And yet other questions arise: "Why he chose such a small political party?" or "Is it just casuality?". In Bolivia we say Quien a buen árbol se arrima, buena sombra le cobija (Who gets close to a good tree, has good shade) it seems that Mesa has chosen the shade of a bonsai. Is it a good move?, we'll just have to wait.

Hey, it worked for the Karate Kid! Actually, I've always been impressed w/ how much influence MBL has for being so small. Goni's first administration (1994-97) relied heavily on the MBL inteligentzia.

At that time the MBL was a key piece in the chessboard, it was an important pawn, I'm not so sure right now.

Good point. Yes, it's usually trouble for a small party to split into 4-5 factions & new parties.