‎How the public assemblies worked in Cochabamba- Bolivia ,during the Water War.

   The popular meetings, or assemblies, contained various levels of participation. They were, on the most basic level, a space of participation of the communities. The workers came together in small assemblies according to sector—all of the irrigation farmers, for example, or the businessmen, or the factory workers. In this way, everybody had a chance not just to air their complaints, but also to discuss ideas and advance proposals. A space was created in which people could participate in the political process by discussing the issues and trying to reach a consensus about what the next step should be. Next, there were the Coordinadora assemblies. Each small assembly of workers sent members to present the points of view of their particular sector and make proposals. These spokespeople were informal representatives who were able to speak insofar as they accurately represented their sector. People from various interest groups, such as environmentalists, intellectuals, and members of the water committees attended. Even those individuals who did not fit into one or another sector were allowed to attend these second-level assemblies, so that their concerns did not go unheard. Anyone could speak, but for you to be heard required action. There was one meeting when we were discussing whether to maintain the blockades and this group came and said that we needed to maintain them. Everyone was tired and said, “You have to talk with your action, where is your blockade?” And they did not have one. This became the first requirement to speak. It was a time for talk, but not talk without action. The Coordinadora assemblies were where the communiqués were written and strategic political analysis took place. The decisions made as a result of this process were presented for validation at the next level, the cabildos (town meetings). Between fifty and seventy thousand people attended the cabildos, which were held in large public plazas. It was in this context that final decisions were made. At this level of assembly, though representatives addressed the crowds, there was an undercurrent of popular democratic participation and commentary. The crowd responded to different proposals by expressing a collective sentiment, by either applauding or making disapproving noises such as boos or whistles. Sometimes the leaders had to follow the people. —Oscar Olivera, ¡Cochabamba! Water War in Bolivia (South End Press, 2004)