Winners and losers battle for share of Assembly spoils

THREE DAYS After Panama’s elections in which a number of the old guard National Assembly deputies were ousted from what they thought were safe seats, maneuvering is still underway among those attempting to cling to the cookie jar.

The delays continue because of Panama’s unique voting system allowing candidates to run for more than one office, and after clear winners have been established, adding on the votes for the alternate post and with a shoal of party nominated cannibalistic sharks fighting it out to the last drop of fraternal blood.

The system also means that voters can cast more than one vote for the same candidate,

Local media carry reports of alleged alterations of the polling station records, irregularities in the application of the system of distribution of seats and announcements of possible challenges.

La Prensa describes heated discussions, pushing and shouting in the scrutiny of results in multi-candidate constituencies in Panama and Colon.

“For example, in the circuit 8-6 ( San Miguelito ) complaints of anomalies arose after the proclamation of the seven winning deputies, but particularly against Leandro Ávila (PRD), who will return to the  National Assembly after being awarded the seat with secondary votes.

Agustín Lara, candidate for a PRD deputy, accused Ávila of allegedly altering the results of a final count that gave him an advantage of four votes In 8-7, Crispiano Adames, who is seeking re-election, also with secondary votes is presenting a challenge

To present a challenge, the plaintiff must deposit a bond of $25,000, according to the Electoral Code. During the five year term, a deputy will draw a minimum of $500,000, plus, multi-million to hire staff including relatives.

In circuits 8-9 in Panama north and 8-10 in Panama National Police presence was reinforced as tensions increased over complaints of alleged irregularities in the scrutiny of voting records.

In Capira candidates called a press conference to announce a challenge against deputy Yanibel Ábrego (CD),  current  president of the National Assembly who managed to get re-elected.

They indicated that they will present evidence of alleged use of State resources by Ábrego during her campaign.

In Changuinola, Bocas del Toro, candidates for free application, together with their activists, protested yesterday before the Electoral Tribunal against the re-election in that circuit of the PRD deputy, Benicio Robinson.

They will present demand for annulment of the elections because Robinson allegedly exceeded the cap on private financing spending that according to the Electoral Code is $300,000 for deputies.