Democracy seen in danger by 70%
Seven out of 10 Panamanians believe that democracy in Panama is in danger and Ricardo Martinelli is an authoritarian president says a Unimer poll conducted Jan19-22.
The perception is most prevalent among women, people over 55 and those with higher education. And six in 10 disagree with the president's governing style and seven out of ten rate him authoritarian.
The survey was based on a sample of 1,203 people, with a margin of error of 2.8%.
Opposition political sectors and civil society organizations have warned of a breakdown in the institutions responsible for ensuring the rule of law, namely the judiciary, the Comptroller General of the Republic and the National Assembly.
Threats to independent media have also been reported says La Prensa and the weakening of local governments by the pressures on officials to change oartiesor leave office, as in the case of the Mayor Bosco Vallarino.
Meanwhile, the ruling style has begun to lose charm says the newspaper. By June 2011, 67.9% of respondents perceived an authoritarian grip on perception with unwillingness for accountability and an intolerant attitude to criticism.
In October 2010, 54% were satisfied with the style of the President. In June 2011, approval fell to 36.5% and, today only 27% feel comfortable with the authoritarianism of Martinelli.
