The Bolivian congress on Tuesday set Dec. 4 as the date for presidential and congressional elections, paving the way for quieting down the country's political chaos, according to reports from La Paz, administrative capital of the Andean country.

The congressmen made the decision after hard negotiations among the eight parties which hold seats in the congress. They also called for a referendum, scheduled for July 2, 2006, on whether to give greater autonomy to provinces on their economic affairs.

National Elections Service Director Oscar Hassenteufel called the congressional decision "good news," saying it "eliminated the political uncertainty in the country."

Former President Carlos Mesa resigned in early June amid violent protests demanding a new constitution, the nationalization of the oil and gas industry, and the resignation of all legislators.

Chief Justice Eduardo Rodriguez was appointed head of state on June 9. The demonstrators gave a truce to the acting president but warned that protests and roadblocks would resume if their demands were not met.

(Xinhua News Agency July 6, 2005)