PRD signs 25,000 new members with no hand outs
The Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) Panama’s main opposition party, signed up 25,009 new members on the weekend without political handouts, or pressure says a party spokesman.
The first secretary general of the party, Pedro Miguel Gonzalez, said that "through these two registration days the government distributed scholarships, meals and other state resources."
There was no political pressure, no incriminating files pending and no job offers.
In a press conference, Gonzalez said that the registration of the PRD has more value and quality, because people are enrolling without getting a handout, "but by conviction and frustration with the government." A message was being sent to President Ricardo Martinelli.
Among those signing up were members of other political parties, including the Panamenista party, until recently part of the ruling coalition.
In August the Martinelli controled Cambio Democratico (CD) signed up 82,219 new adherents amid reports that many were coerced to sign in order to hold down their jobs.
The PRD continues to be the strongest party in the country with 488,000 members followed by the CD with 394,662.
Potential presidential candidates traveled the city during the weekend, icncluding Balbina Herrera, Juan Carlos Navarro, Samuel Lewis Navarro, Laurentino Cortizo, Juan Carlos Arosemena ad Vicente Magallon.
