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 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 single non-renewable 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
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Summary of the 2 May 2004 Panama presidential election results
| Candidates |
Parties |
Votes |
% |
| Martín Torrijos |
Patria Nueva. A coalition between Democratic Revolutionary Party and Popular Party (Panama) |
711,447 |
47.44 |
| Guillermo Endara |
Solidarity Party |
462,766 |
30.86 |
| José Miguel Alemán |
Arnulfista Party |
245,845 |
16.39 |
| Ricardo Martinelli |
Democratic Change |
79,595 |
5.31 |
| Total (turnout 76.9%) |
1,499,072 |
100.0 |
| Ballot papers left blank |
17,366 |
1.13 |
| Spoiled ballot papers |
21,276 |
1.38 |
| Total votes |
1,537,714 |
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 (deceased) father of the current president, Martín Torrijos - and Arnulfo Arias (Panameñista/Arnulfista) - late 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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