Bolivian Indians continued their protests against the government on Wednesday, demanding an early election for president now that Carlos Mesa has resigned and lawmakers are prepared to install a leader seen as favorable to non-Indians and outside business interests.

Senate president Hormando Vaca Dez is next in line for country's presidency. But Indian leaders say his policies are no different from Mesa's in that they will keep Indian people poor while non-Indians get rich. Evo Morales, a lawmaker and leader of the most prominent Indian political party, opposes Vaca Diez.

Indian-led protests have crippled the capital of La Paz for three weeks. Indians make up the majority of the population in the country but are the lowest on the economic, social and political ladder.

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Bolivian Lawmakers to Name New President (AP 6/9)
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No. 1 Quits in Bolivia, and Protesters Scorn Nos. 2 and 3 (The New York Times 6/9)
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Senator Prepares to Take Over in Bolivia Despite Opposition (The Los Angeles Times 6/9)
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