New Republic group backs Navarro

THE NEW Republic movement , which promotes the so-called helpful vote,  has opted for PRD  presidential candidate Juan Carlos Navarro, as the best option to avoid the  "disguised reelection" of President Ricardo Martinelli.

" After surveys of the structural organization of the PRD , we believe that Navarro is a better choice ," said Aurelio Barria , a member of the group and former leader of the crusade civilian who fought the military dictatorship, on Thursday April 24.

"The support is contingent upon the candidate's commitment to accept our proposals," Barria, who said the decision was made after meetings with the PRD , the Panamenista Party and different  national and international analysts, and pollsters, reports a Prensa.

The ex comptroller Alvin Weeden , a spokesman for the group, said he chose to support Navarro despite questions over his alleged links with the so-called inner circle of Martinelli.

" We do not believe in that. That story helps to keep the opposition divided for Martinelli’s benefit , "he argued .

Weeden also referred to differences of several members of the movement with the PRD in the past. " The past can not bind us . You have to think about the future of the institutions and the country, " he said.

According to him , a triumph of CD " would establish a new dictatorship " in Panama .