Bolivia - Local government

Bolivia is essentially a unitary system, with a highly centralized national government. Bolivia's nine departments—La Paz, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, Potosí, Oruro, Santa Cruz, Tarija, El Beni, and Pando—are administered by prefects appointed by the president for four-year terms. The departments are subdivided into 94 provinces, each headed by a subprefect recommended by the prefect, appointed by the president, and responsible to him through the minister of the interior. The provinces are further divided into 1,713 cantons, each of which is under the jurisdiction of a magistrate (corregidor). As of 1997, Bolivia had 312 municipalities. There are no local legislatures. Important towns and cities have more self-government. Each has a popularly elected council of from 5 to 12 members, but municipal tax ordinances must be approved by the Senate. Mayors (alcaldes) are also elected. The Amerindian communities, although they are not formal administrative units, are recognized by law.