Independent running mates the Panama trend

INDEPENDENT’S as running mates seems to be the trend for the upcoming elections, with Isabel Saint Malo named by Panameñista presidential candidate Juan Carlos Varela as the person he wants to fill the spot he currently holds, Vice- President.

Varela introduced his running mate during a party convention at the El Panama Hotel.

Varela stressed the fact that Saint Malo is an independent who has made valuable contributions within Panamanian civil societies.
In her acceptance speech Saint Malo said: "I am proud to accept the candidacy for this great country." She explained that she has never belonged to a political party and that this is her first election campaign.
"Today I accept the challenge arising from continuing to serve the people," she said.
She described Varela as a leader with a social vision where the people are first.
"Our goal is one: to work to install a transparent government," she said.
Earlier Juan Carlos Navarro chose former electoral tribunal judge Gerrardo Solis, as his running mate. Solis was originally running as an independent presidential candidate.
Panameñista mayoralty candidate Jose Isabel Blandon chose an independent environmental activist, Raise Banfield as his potential Vice-Mayor.