OAS concerned at attempts to “undermine” Electoral Tribunal credibility.

A DELEGATION of electoral observers from the Organization of American States (OAS) said it is concerned about what it said are attempts to "undermine" the credibility of the Tribunal Electoral (TE).

The Tribunal has faced repeated attacks by government spokesmen and CD party members, including President Ricardo Martinelli.

"We note that the TE has built a reputation and institutional credibility in Panamanian society, and we see with concern some attempts to undermine its credibility," said OAS delegation chairwoman Laura Flores.
The OAS observers met with the three TE judges, leaders of political parties, presidential candidates and members of the Ministry of the Presidency.
Flores urged candidates to "preserve" the integrity of the TE since it is the referee of the electoral process.
She said presidential races where there are controversies with the agency running the election often casts doubt on the results and calls into question the credibility of the winner.
Flores, a former presidential candidate in Peru, said that it is "satisfying" to see that Panama has a 20-year record of clean elections in which the winners take office peacefully.
She said that her opinion was not meant to cause fear, but to act as advice to the candidates, government and party leaders.
She said incidents in the media this week have illustrated raised her concerns, but did not name any specific incidents or candidates.
She said that the TE must be free to operate "with total freedom," reports La Prensa.