Panama mayor heads to Supreme Court to block recall bid

Panama mayor Panama José Luis Fábrega has filed a lawsuit of unconstitutionality before the Supreme Court against the Electoral Tribunal (TE) for admitting a request for the revocation of his mandate.

The appeal was filed by attorney Carlos Carrillo, on behalf of Fábrega, arguing that the decision adopted violates several articles of the Constitution and therefore should be revoked.

According to the appeal presented on Tuesday, April 12, the Constitution only establishes the revocation of mandate in the case of corregimiento representatives, but not for mayors.

Judicial Branch sources told La Prensa that the lawsuit was filed in the office of Judge José Ayú Prado after the distribution was made.

The lawyer Roberto Ruiz Díaz presented on February 22, before the TE, a memorial to request the revocation of the mandate of Mayor  Fábrega.

According to Ruiz Díaz, the petition is based on the lack of transparency in Mayor Fábrega’s management, the absence of citizen consultation for the implementation of projects with an impact on the community, administrative irregularities, and the management of the budget.