Politics of Panama

Panama

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Panama

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Politics of Panama takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Panama is both head of state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. The branches are according to Panama's Political Constitution of 1972, reformed by the Actos Reformatorios of 1978, and by the Acto Constitucional in 1983, united in cooperation and limited through the classic system of checks and balances. Three independent organizations with clearly defined responsibilities are found in the Political Constitution. Thus, the Comptroller General of the Republic has the responsibility to manage public funds. There also exists the Electoral Tribunal, which has the responsibility to guarantee liberty, transparency, and the efficacy of the popular vote; and, finally, the Ministry of the Public exists to oversee interests of State and of the municipalities.

Executive branch

The executive branch includes a president and two vice presidents. The president and the vice-presidents are elected on one ballot for a five year term by the people.

Legislative branch

The legislative branch consists of a unicameral National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional) with 78 members, elected for a five year term in single-seat and multi-seat constituencies.

Political parties and elections

Main article: Panamanian election, 2004

Judicial branch

The Judicial Organ administers justice in a permanent, free, and expeditious manner. It comprises the Supreme Court of Justice, the Tribunals, and the judges established by law, according to the Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama (title VII, Chapter 1).

Electoral branch

An autonomous Electoral Tribunal supervises voter registration, the election process, and the activities of political parties. Everyone over the age of 18 is required to vote, although those who fail to do so are not penalized.

Some background

In Panamanian history, the dominant parties have been the PRD and the Panameñista (former Arnulfista Party). These parties were founded by very charismatic and strong political enemies, Omar Torrijos (PRD) - the father of the current president, Martin Torrijos Espino - and Arnulfo Arias (Panameñista/Arnulfista) - husband of the previous president, Mireya Moscoso -. Even though these leaders died years ago, their "aura" is always revived by its followers, and they are present in every election. Panamanian politics have been historically very corrupt. Lately, the Panamanian society and press has gotten tired of this and is auditing and fighting for improvements. A sign of this is the lack of Young vote in the 22/10/06 Referendum, showing a lack of confidence in Panama Politics ways and PoliticiansSOURCE. However, the country's socialist/worker parties are not popular due their history as in Venezuela, Cuba and Bolivia.

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