Bolivia's Morales sets constitution referendum

By Carlos Quiroga

LA PAZ, Feb 29 (Reuters) - Surrounded by thousands of supporters, Bolivia's president on Friday signed a law setting May 4 as the date for a national referendum on a draft constitution that has triggered a deep political crisis.

President Evo Morales signed the measure at a rally one day after lawmakers from his Movement to Socialism (MAS) party hastily approved it in Congress with little participation by the opposition.

The proposed constitution, which Morales says will give more power to Bolivia's poor indigenous majority, has led to protests from four provinces seeking more autonomy from the central government.

"Let's allow Bolivians to determine the country's destiny," said Morales. "Our motive is the idea of refounding Bolivia ... through democracy and guaranteeing the equality and unity of all Bolivians."

The referendum law follows two months of tense talks between Morales and his conservative rivals, who refused to recognize the new proposed charter.

Morales supporters including miners in hard hats and members of indigenous groups crowded outside Congress on Thursday night, preventing many opposition lawmakers from attending the vote.

If approved, the new constitution would grant greater power and resources to indigenous groups who form the backbone of Morales' support and have long been marginalized by the country's European-descended elite.

But opposition leaders, who charge Morales is on a power grab, say the charter does not recognize demands from the country's eastern provinces, home to Bolivia's vast natural gas reserves and agricultural holdings.