First Lady candidature slammed in US

THE MACHINATIONS of Panama politics are getting increasing exposure outside of the country  in addition to home grown pulications, described by President Ricardo Martinelli as ‘’the opposition media.”

The nomination of First Lady Marta Linares de Martinelli as the CD vice-presidential candidate  is being seen as an attempt by President Ricardo Martinelli to maintain "control of power," according to the US news agency the Associated Press (AP).

The article was reprinted in the The Washington Post, El Nuevo Herald of Miami, Fox News on line. The Daily Mail (UK) and other  North American , Canadian and world media. The Wahington Post has an international reputation for journlistic excellence, after breaking the Watergate story leading to the downfall of President Richard Nixon

According to the story, entitled "Panama's outgoing president touts wife's candidacy," Martinelli, who is prohibited from being re-elected by the Constitution, is counting on his wife and former minister José Domingo Arias to "protect his legacy of transforming Panama into one of the fastest growing economies."

It also refers to the allegations of corruption and the lack of  institutional independence of the powers of the state.

"It's hard to argue that this scheme is healthy for democracy in Panama," said Michael Shifter, president of the think tank Inter-American Dialogue, based in Washington.

The story also mentioned allegations of unconstitutionality filed in the Supreme Court against the first lady's candidacy, but predicts that these actions will be dismissed due to the fact that the majority of the judges were appointed by Martinelli.

In addition, it warns that the ruler "is busier than ever in the final stretch of the campaign" such as the inaugurating public works such as theMetro and the third phase of the Cinta Costera.

Article 32 of the Constitution dictates that the assets and resources of the state cannot be used "for the benefit or against" candidates or political parties

The first lady denied to the AP that she is an "alternate" for her husband.

"That's a very sexist view," she replied.

Last week, another American newspaper – The Wall Street Journal  – ran a critical article of Martinelli in a column by Mary O'Grady.

"If Martinelli plans to become another leader, he must be brave and tell it to voters instead of hiding behind the illegal candidacy of his wife," said the columnist.