Electoral reform billing heading to done deal

THE WISH of for electoral reforms expressed by the president of Panama’s National Assembly will likely be granted on Friday, April 19, when the bill he is backing gets its third reading.

In the second debate on Thursday, the law was adopted 38-9 although electoral court judges had said the timing was inappropriate as the country moves into election mode. Assembly President Sergio Gálvez said  he didn't project any modifications to the reforms.
The major change deals with an article prohibiting alliances between parties to apply to members of the legislature, mayors, representatives and councilors.
Panameñista Legislator Adolfo Valderrama said that the CD is attempting to change the rules of the election to help that party.
PRD Legislator Leandro Avila agreed, saying that his party rejected the project because: "it is becoming the norm for them to seek an advantage with treachery”.