Voters in Bolivia's richest region, Santa Cruz, appear to have strongly supported proposals for greater autonomy in an unofficial referendum.
Exit polls for local TV stations suggest that 86% backed giving the region more control over its resources, though many opponents did not vote.
President Evo Morales said the referendum was illegal, and that he would ignore the results.
Sporadic outbreaks of violence marred the poll.
In a national address after voting had finished, Mr Morales stressed the high levels of abstention - and called for opposition state governors to engage in dialogue with the government.
"This illegal and unconstitutional vote didn't have the success hoped for by certain families," he said, referring to landowners from Santa Cruz who helped organise the poll.
Many in Santa Cruz are critical of Bolivia's left-wing president.
He wants the country's wealthier eastern regions to contribute more to the poorer west, where the bulk of his indigenous supporters come from.
Bolivia region 'chooses autonomy'
Voters in Bolivia's richest region, Santa Cruz, appear to have strongly supported proposals for greater autonomy in an unofficial referendum.
Exit polls for local TV stations suggest that 86% backed giving the region more control over its resources, though many opponents did not vote.
President Evo Morales said the referendum was illegal, and that he would ignore the results.
Sporadic outbreaks of violence marred the poll.
In a national address after voting had finished, Mr Morales stressed the high levels of abstention - and called for opposition state governors to engage in dialogue with the government.
"This illegal and unconstitutional vote didn't have the success hoped for by certain families," he said, referring to landowners from Santa Cruz who helped organise the poll.
Many in Santa Cruz are critical of Bolivia's left-wing president.
He wants the country's wealthier eastern regions to contribute more to the poorer west, where the bulk of his indigenous supporters come from.
