Example of the Official Position Paper (Character)

Committee: National Forum

Topic: Instability of Political Parties in Bolivia and Its Impact on Politics, Economy, and
Society
Country: Bolivia
Delegate: Cristian Alvarez Ferrel
A) Personal information:
Full name: Carlos Diego de Mesa Gisbert
Born: 12 August 1953 (age 70)
Place of birth: La Paz, Bolivia
Family:
1) Parents: José de Mesa Figueroa and Teresa Gisbert
2) Spouses: Patricia Flores Soto (div. 1978), Elvira Salinas Gamarra
3) Hijos: Borja Ignacio and Guiomar de Mesa Salinas
Political party: Revolutionary Left Front
Occupation: Historian, journalist and politician
Education: San Calixto School, San Estanislao de Kotska School, Complutense University of Madrid
and Higher University of San Andrés

B) Political career/ achievements:

Early Life and Career
Carlos Mesa was born on August 12, 1953, in La Paz, Bolivia. He studied literature at the Universidad
Mayor de San Andrés and later ventured into journalism, becoming a respected journalist and
television personality in Bolivia. Mesa co-founded the news agency PAT (Periodistas Asociados de
Televisión) and gained a reputation for his insightful and critical journalism.

Vice Presidency (2002-2003)

Mesa's entry into politics came when he was selected as the vice-presidential candidate by Gonzalo
Sánchez de Lozada in the 2002 elections. They won the election, and Mesa served as Vice President
of Bolivia from 2002 until 2003.

Presidency (2003-2005)
Mesa assumed the presidency on October 17, 2003, following the resignation of President Gonzalo
Sánchez de Lozada amidst widespread protests and civil unrest, known as the "Gas War". His
presidency was marked by significant challenges, including social upheaval, economic difficulties, and
demands for nationalization of natural gas resources.

Key Achievements as President

Constitutional Reforms: Mesa sought to address the deep-rooted political and social issues by pushing
for constitutional reforms. He initiated a process to rewrite the Bolivian Constitution, aiming to create a
more inclusive and equitable political system.
Gas Referendum: One of his most notable achievements was the national referendum on the
management and ownership of Bolivia's natural gas resources in 2004. The referendum results
supported Mesa's stance on maintaining state control over gas reserves while allowing foreign
investment, striking a balance between nationalization and foreign involvement.

Economic Measures: Mesa attempted to stabilize the economy by implementing measures to control
inflation and promote growth. His economic policies aimed at balancing the demands of indigenous
groups and the business community.

Post-Presidency Activities
After resigning from the presidency in June 2005 due to continued civil unrest and political pressure,
Mesa returned to his work as a historian and journalist. He authored several books on Bolivian history
and politics, further cementing his reputation as an intellectual and scholar.

2019 Presidential Campaign

Carlos Mesa returned to the political arena as a candidate in the 2019 presidential elections. Running
as the leader of the Citizen Community (Comunidad Ciudadana) alliance, he emerged as a principal
challenger to incumbent President Evo Morales. Although the election was highly controversial and
eventually annulled due to allegations of fraud, Mesa played a significant role in the political transition
that followed.

Contribution to Bolivian Democracy

Throughout his career, Carlos Mesa has been a staunch advocate for democracy, transparency, and
the rule of law in Bolivia. His contributions as a journalist, historian, and political leader have had a
lasting impact on Bolivian society and its democratic institutions.
Conflict of interests

Policies carried out

Policies necessary to resolve the conflict

Example of the Official Position Paper (Department)

Committee: National Forum

Topic: Instability of Political Parties in Bolivia and Its Impact on Politics, Economy, and
Society
Department: Cochabamba
Delegate: Cristian Alvarez Ferrel
Country: Bolivia
Capital: Cochabamba
Total area: 55,631 km2
Total population: 1,758,143
Number of provinces: 16
GDP:$ 6.6 billion
GDP per capita: $ 3.000
Governor: Humberto Sánchez
Languages: Spanish and Quechua
Religion: 42% Catholics, 32% Evangelical Christians, 0.67% Muslims, and 27% no religion or
other religions.
Main economic activities: Services, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
History:
Pre-Incan Period The Cochabamba Valley was inhabited, according to archaeological
evidence, by hunters and gatherers. Another period with more developed remnants dates
back over two thousand years. It is believed they chose to settle in these valleys due to their
fertile soils and temperate climate. Archaeological evidence shows that the valley was initially
inhabited by different ethnic groups such as the Kanas, Qutas, Chuwis, and others. These
groups permanently inhabited the valley before the arrival of the Spaniards.

Incan Period Subsequently, the Inca Empire expanded extensively into this valley, forming a
powerful civilization skilled in various disciplines such as agriculture, livestock farming, military
strategy, metallurgy, astronomy, and culture.

Colonial Period After the conquest of the Inca Empire by Spain, the Viceroy of Peru,
Francisco Álvarez de Toledo, ordered the founding of "Villa Real de Oropesa" at the foot of
Mount San Sebastián, by Gerónimo Osorio on August 15, 1571. For reasons historians still
find difficult to explain satisfactorily, Sebastián Barba de Padilla requested permission from
the Viceroy to refound the city in 1573, shortly after Osorio's death. Despite the unclear
reasoning, Álvarez de Toledo granted the request. Thus, the second founding took place on
January 1, 1574, at the present-day Plaza 14 de Septiembre.

Independence War During the War of Independence in what is now Bolivia, patriots fought
against the royalist army. One of the most iconic battles in Cochabamba was the Battle of the
Heroines of the Coronilla on May 27, 1812. In this battle, Cochabamba's women fought
against royalist forces under José Manuel de Goyeneche on the hill of San Sebastián outside
the city.

Republican Era The Cochabamba department, where the city of Cochabamba is located,
was created following Bolivia's declaration of independence by Supreme Decree on January
23, 1826, under the government of Antonio José de Sucre. Thus, Cochabamba became the
departmental capital of the homonymous department.
Conflict of interests

Policies carried out

Policies necessary to resolve the conflict