Panama election runners get green light

In the midst of Carnival celebrations, Panama politicians got the green light on Monday, March  4 to begin trumpeting their promises and inducements for the next 60 days in the shortest election campaign in the country’s democratic history.

An unprecedented seven candidates are vying for the presidency, including three independents while on the sidelines civic groups and disillusioned voters are promoting a “no to reelection” campaign aimed primarily at lawmakers in the National Assembly whose self-serving antics and corruption linked activities have been targeted by the Comptroller General.

Former president Ricardo Martinelli is aiming to run as a candidate for an Assembly seat or for Mayor of Panama City.  while he is facing trial for alleged illegal wiretapping of political opponents and others who may have displeased him. If found guilty he could face up to 21 years behind bars, with the possibility that his two sons, awaiting an extradition hearing in Miami, could be nearby in El Renacer prison awaiting trial in money laundering and other corruption cases.

The Electoral Tribunal (TE) says that until May 2, it will remain vigilant so that consensual norms are not violated in the electoral law, such as the prohibition of dirty campaigns and the use of public resources in proselytizing.  

Through social networks, the TE reminds proselytizers that it is forbidden to paste, paint or wallpaper fixed electoral propaganda in places that affect the environment, or on public buildings or monuments, and for its remaining hour’s candidates cannot be promoted at carnival events