The Uh-Oh Moment for Melitón Arrocha

The decision of Melitón Arrocha, presidential candidate for the free nomination and for the Social Independent Alternative Party (PAIS), to support Martín Torrijos, presidential candidate for the Popular Party (PP), has been the epicenter of an intense political debate and moral.  A few minutes after the announcement, several questions arose: What will happen to the electoral subsidy granted to Arrocha? How will the ballot for presidential candidates appear now? Arrocha had that uh-oh moment and realized the mistake that he made and tried to cover it up on a radio program “Panamá en Directo” saying that it was not a resignation, but rather a “political endorsement” of Torrijos.  Newsroom Panama consulted the Electoral Court in this regard, and they confirmed that they had not received official communication from the candidate that related to a resignation.  “It is difficult to give explanations when we have not been formally notified by Mr. Arrocha.  However, if and when Melitón Arrocha announces that he supports another candidate who is running for the same position, a “tacit resignation” occurs.”