Nov. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Clashes between Bolivia's police and opponents of a new constitution that's backed by President Evo Morales left three dead and about 130 wounded, Efe newswire said.

Riots and looting broke out in the southeastern city of Sucre, the country's political capital, after about 150 delegates to a constituent assembly approved the draft constitution inside a military academy in a first ballot, Efe said. Two anti- government demonstrators and a police officer were killed in the past two days, Efe said, adding that calm was restored after the police yesterday withdrew from Sucre's streets.

The riots began Nov. 24, when members of the government- controlled assembly barred opposition delegates and passed the draft version without having read its content, Efe said. One protester remains in a coma and several others suffered serious injuries, Efe said, citing medical reports.

Morales has nationalized the nation's oil and gas industry and pushed forward plans to rewrite the constitution to favor more indigenous participation in politics and boost the state's control over natural resources.

To contact the reporter on this story: Guillermo Parra-Bernal in Sao Paulo at gparra@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: November 26, 2007 05:10 EST