The governor of oil and gas-rich Tarija province, Mario Cossio (pictured), was removed by lawmakers after he was charged with dereliction of duty and causing economic damage.
Cossio is a leading opponent of President Evo Morales.
Santa Cruz Gov. Ruben Costas calls Cossio's removal "a coup d'etat."
His removal by a legislature dominated by Morales supporters now leaves opposition governors in just two of Bolivia's nine provinces.