US embassy quashes revoked visa rumor

THE UNITED STATES embassy in Panama has quashed a rumor that it had revoked the visa of one of Panama's presidential candidates in Sunday's election.

In response to what seemed to be a last gasp dirty tricks move, the embassy issued a statement: "There are unfounded rumors that are circulating in a media outlet that the United States decided to suspend the visa of a Panamanian presidential candidate," it said.

Prior to the official statement, the embassy issued a message on its Twitter account that also denied the rumor.
There are seven candidates, four from major parties and three independents, running for election.
The last high profile politician to have his visa suspended was Saloman Shamah who heads Panama’s tourism office, and is believed to be the man behind the CD’s misinformation and personal attacks campaign.