La Paz, October 3 (RHC)-- Contrary to the near civil war situation that existed in Bolivia 16 years ago, today's economic, political and social stability have contributed to technological development, according to the newspaper Cambio.

'Bolivia has left instability and violence behind, and will decide at the polls whether to return to the past or look forward towards a safe future with development,' read an editorial in the lead up to the October 20 general elections.

The publication reported that in October 2003, 67 people were killed and more than 400 were injured by the repression of the government of President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada and Vice President Carlos Mesa, although the latter resigned from his post a few days earlier.

Cambio recalled the popular uprising known as the Gas War, during which the people built barricades and blocked the La Paz-El Alto highway and several roads throughout the country to protest against gas exports to the United States via Chile, as part of the neoliberal crusade.

However, 16 years later, Bolivia has changed. Political stability, social peace and economic growth have led, for example, to the establishment of companies such as Quantum Motors, which makes electric cars and is based in Cochabamba, the newspaper added.