OPINION: Time to clean out the Assembly circus

A La Prensa investigation into the distribution of scores of millions of dollars  in donations and contracts by members of the National Assembly, across party lines has led to an audit by the Comptroller General, starting Monday Mar 13.For some of those with hands deep in the cookie jar it may turn out to be a day they will want to forget. There are  calls for criminal charges and an  urgent meeting of the plenary of the  Supreme Court is scheduled for Tuesday, with all the signs of a looming constitutional crisis.

Coming hard on the heels of the Odebrecht bribery scandal, and the Panama Papers revelations, the latest exposure of those in the driver’s seat is a sad reflection on any remaining shred of political morality. In a Sunday editorial, La Prensa points out that voters have themselves to blame, and with elections due in May 2019 its time for voters to pay more attention to who they send to the Assembly circus. More strongly put, it’s time to throw the bums out and with luck,  give them a jail term as a parting gift.

La Prensa writes:

IN THE LIGHT  of recent events, which expose the profound crisis of existing values ​​in the Legislative Body, the exercise of suffrage is particularly relevant.

through an conscientiously informed vote . The function of the deputies is to generate and approve the legal basis that will regulate the daily life of the country, making use of the investment of time and resources in trying to create  voter awareness reflects the time their capacity to achieve a seat in the National Assembly through concrete and effective proposals , aimed at improving Panamanian society through the strengthening our democracy.

What we witness every day in the Chamber is nothing

other than the grossest circus act, so it is our  responsibility to ensure that we do not continue this deplorable spectacle. As voters it is up to us to know the Candidates and choose only those who demonstrate training, preparation and whose priority is proven to be to comply with what is mandated by the Constitution and the laws of the Republic. Do not

hesitate  to punish reprehensible behaviors. Otherwise  we will only continue lamenting the result of our irresponsibility.