Bolivia's military has said an unofficial autonomy vote in the wealthy region of Santa Cruz threatens the territorial integrity of the country.

The army said it would ignore the result of Sunday's referendum.

Residents are to vote on statutes of autonomy that would give the department more control over land and taxes, and more decision-making powers.

The poll pits the European-descended elite in Santa Cruz against Mr Morales's indigenous supporters.

The government has said it considers the vote to be illegal.

'Serious danger'

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"We cannot dismiss that a serious danger exists, a threat to the territorial integrity (of Bolivia)," he said.

The BBC's Andres Schipani reports from Santa Cruz that the vote is pushing the country towards the brink of a deep crisis with both sides showing little sign of backing down.

Though the vote has fuelled fears of violence, the government has ruled out sending security forces and has asked indigenous groups and other government supporters not to interfere, our correspondent adds.

Opposition to Mr Morales stems from a reform programme that would grant greater powers and a bigger share of Bolivia's land and resources to the country's indigenous majority.

They have long been marginalised by the country's European-descended elite, our correspondent says.

Leaders in energy-rich Santa Cruz - home to about 25% of Bolivia's population - have demanded more control over their resources.

They feel threatened by a draft constitution that proposes to limit large land holdings.

Autonomy referendums are planned in several other departments.

(BBC)

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