Evo Morales

Juan Evo Morales Ayma (born October 26, 1959), popularly known as Evo, is the 80th and current President of Bolivia, having held that position since 2006. Politically a socialist, his presidency has also seen a focus on implementing socialist policies in the country, introducing land reforms, nationalising various key industries and opposing United States and corporate involvement in the country's politics.

Born into a working class family in Isallawi village in the Orinoca Canton, Evo is of Aymara Native-Latino American descent. Initially pursuing various manual jobs such as llama herding, he eventually settled into growing coca, becoming actively involved in the cocalero movement, the coca growers' trade unions.

Morales was first elected President of Bolivia on December 18, 2005, with 53.7% of the popular vote. Two and a half years later he substantially increased this majority; in a recall referendum on August 14, 2008, more than two thirds of voters voted to keep him in office. Morales won presidential elections again in December 2009 by 63% and continued to his second term of presidency.