La Paz, December 24 (PL-RHC)-- Bolivian President Evo Morales urged people to vote 'YES' in the referendum of February 21st and avert a return to the past of pro-imperialist governments.

In an address to the nation on occasion of the year-end holidays, Morales recalled that in the past ten years the country functioned much better than in the time of neoliberal governments that served the interests of the United States rather than those of the working people.

"In politics there is only right and left; either we are with the people or we follow the orders of the Empire, and it is obvious that Bolivia is much better since 2006; it stopped being the most backward country in the hemisphere and became the most politically, socially and economically stable," said Morales.

On February 21st, the people will vote whether to approve the modification to the Political Constitution of the State to make viable Morales and Vice President Alvaro Linera's nominations for the elections of 2019.

"In these 10 years we have demonstrated that without the political domination of the Empire and without the International Monetary Find we are better politically and economically," said the Bolivian president.

In his opinion, this is the reason why the victory of YES is so important, as those who will go for NO are seeking the return of dictatorial governments like those of Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada and Carlos Sanchez Berzain, who took refuge in the United States,have pending issues with justice and even though they are promoting the campaign for NO against the process of changes ongoing in Bolivia.

After receiving the "Person of the Year" award given by La Paz-based Radio Companera, Morales wished the best of success to the people in 2016 and urged them to continue working to further improve the social and economic situation of every family.

"As authority, we will continue thinking hoe to further develop our beloved Bolivia; it is for it that we assumed our responsibility, so that it continues being an example and model to the whole world," he stated.