Confusion reigns over constitutional agenda

Only hours after President Ricardo Martinelli announced his selection of members for the committee tp consider constitutional reforms in Panama, confusion  reigns as contradictory messages appear.

Amid  criticism that the reforms are nothing more than a veiled attempt by Martinelli to improve his party's chances of re-election in 2014 the President went out of his way to deny that the issue of presidential re-election will be part of the reforms.

Among the other proposals being considered are universal scholarships and the "$100 for 70" pension for indigent retirees. Both of those programs were based on campaign promises by Martinelli.

But soon after, former ombudsman Italo Antinori,  who was appointed to head the reform committee, said the issue was absolutely going to be part of the reforms, and specifically a proposal to reduce the waiting period between terms from 10 years to five years.

Asked about the issue Martinelli said: "Never, never, never," says La Prensa.

 Among the other proposals being considered are universal scholarships and the "$100 for 70"  a pension hand out for for indigent retirees. Both of those programs were based on campaign promises by Martinelli, and constitutional critics say they do not belong in the constitution.

The Constitution currently prohibits presidents from running again for 10 years. But political allies of Martinelli have teice this year  past to shorten the waiting period.

It appears an issue that the government will not let disappear.