UPDATE 2-Bolivian president, rivals to face recall vote

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By Carlos Quiroga

LA PAZ, May 12 (Reuters) - Bolivian President Evo Morales agreed on Monday to face a recall vote in August, hoping to shore up public support for leftist reforms bitterly opposed by his powerful conservative opponents.

The Aug. 10 nationwide vote will coincide with regional balloting to decide whether Bolivia's nine regional governors remain in office. Morales' fiercest challenge comes from governors in four eastern regions that want greater autonomy from the central government.

"For the first time in Bolivian history, the people will not only have the right to choose, but also to decide if the authorities are failing to serve them," Morales said.

The recall vote, approved by the Senate last week, is a risky strategy by the Bolivian leader to gain the upper hand in a protracted political battle with his conservative rivals.

Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous leader and a former coca farmer, proposed the recall vote four months ago as a way to challenge the rightist governors of eastern, energy-rich regions pushing for autonomy.

He has upset opponents by nationalizing the energy industry, allying himself with Venezuela's left-wing President Hugo Chavez, and pushing for constitutional reforms that would give greater power to Bolivia's poor, indigenous majority.

Like Morales, his critics hope the recall vote will boost their position in the power struggle.