Electoral rules should come from consensus -ex Colombia leader

A former president of Colombia, César Gaviria (1990-1994), said Tuesday, May 8, that  electoral rules should be the result of consensus of all political parties."

"The election rules are rules, and this gives transparency, improve the political system and gives credibility to the elections," said Gaviria, before an  audience of political figures, businessmen and members of civil society attending a Democratic Institutions forum.

Gaviria also said that a strong democracy requires an independent judiciary and an assembly that is not subordinate to the executive.

The statement comes at a time when debate in the National Assembly has stalled over changes to he electoral system included in an omnibus bill, and strongly criticized by the electoral tribunal. Opponents claim changes have been introduced to aid the ruling party and further the aim of President Martinelli to remain in office.

Among the forum members  were businessman and founder of La Prensa , I. Roberto Eisenmann, Panamenista Party deputy Jose Isabel Blandon, the presiding judge of the Electoral Tribunal, Gerardo Solis and Government Minister Ricardo Jorge Fabrega.