Democracy in Panama on the ropes
A STUNNING declaration in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) about the future of democracy in Panama has provided President Ricardo Martinelli with a new target for his Twitter assaults on the media.
A columnist in WSJ, read by business and opinion leaders around the world, says that democracy in Panama is "on the ropes" due to the intention of Martinelli to stay in power .
Mary O'Grady, specializing in Latin American issues said the continuity of Martinelli would represent " another step backward on the road to freedom" in the region .
She argues that the nomination of First Lady Marta Martinelli as the CD vice presidential candidate is a move by the president to avoid the constitutional ban on immediate re -election.
The columnist added That the Supreme Court is likely to reject any claims of unconstitutionality against this nomination which arise due to the fact that five of the nine judges usually vote in Martinelli’s favor.
O'Grady says That there is an absolute failure in the transparency of public finances and That "tens of millions of dollars" are being used to advertise the works of the government with a view to the election.
Marta Martinelli’s anointing as the vice-presidential candidate led to strong criticism from local civil groups, constitutional experts, and opposition politicians. Jose Domingo Arias the CD presidential candidate has been characterized as a Martinelli puppet, but the first lady claims to be her own person, although as a CD party member she owes allegiance to the party Founder and President, Ricardo Maetinelli.
