LA PAZ, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales went on a hunger strike on Thursday to demand Bolivia's Congress to pass a new electoral law which the opposition said would ensure Morales to win the December general election.

Bolivian President Evo Morales (L2) speaks at a press conference at which he declares a hunger strike with representatives from the social sectors in La Paz, Bolivia, April 9, 2009. Morales went on a hunger strike on Thursday to demand Bolivia's Congress to pass a new electoral law which the opposition said would ensure Morales to win the December general election. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    "The radical opposition does not want the electoral law to be approved, because they have never thought of respecting the sovereign vote and they do not want elections, that is why we declare a hunger strike with the social movements," Morales said to reporters.

    Tension rose last week between Morales' ruling Movement Toward Socialism, or MAS, and opposition parties on the bill, which gives Morales the right to assign 14 seats to minority indigenous groups which, opposition says, amounts to handing them to Morales, since he champions indigenous rights. Morales is Bolivia's first indigenous president.

Bolivian President Evo Morales (C) attends a press conference at which he declares a hunger strike with representatives from the social sectors in La Paz, Bolivia, April 9, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Morales' ruling government controls the presidency and holds a firm grip on Congress's lower house, but opposition lawmakers retain control of the senate.

    A new constitution designed to give more power and rights to the country's indigenous majority was approved by more than 60 percent of voters in January.

    The controversial constitution calls for Congress to approve an electoral law ratifying Dec. 6 as the date for a general election.

    Morales will stand for re-election in December and 166 lawmakers will be chosen. According to a poll published in El Deber newspaper this week, about 54 percent Bolivians think Morales will be re-elected, far ahead of his closest contender former President Carlos Mesa with six percent, showing a strong backing for his leftist and pro-indigenous policies.

    In a related development, the president of the United Nations General Assembly, Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, voiced his support for Morales in a statement issued Thursday through a spokesperson.