All was relatively quiet for the presidential candidates until Ricardo Martinelli began touring the country, unleashing a wave of support that surpasses any praise for a candidate since 1989, when Panama embraced democracy. From Boquete to the streets of the city, people are responding passionately to a leader who seems to be awakening a unique bond.
However, this rising tide of sympathy strangely coincides with the expedited cassation ruling that was leaked just after the standing ovation at the Boquete fair. The haste in the legal process raises questions about what is the real purpose of María Eugenia López, since it is the strategy of the government party, led by Gaby Carrizo, it is difficult to imagine the real panorama of the re-election considering the marked unpopularity of the current government.
The speed with which Martinelli’s legal process is carried out suggests a clear intention: to prevent the candidate most praised by the Panamanian people from having a fair chance in the elections. It seems that the judiciary, once a pillar of justice, is being blatantly manipulated, bringing the justice system to the brink of collapse.
This maneuver becomes more obvious when one observes the delay in the printing of the presidential ballot. Historically, this was printed first, but for the first time the Electoral Tribunal will print it at the end of the process. Reason? Shamelessly preventing Ricardo Martinelli’s photo from appearing prominently on the ballot.
This series of events raises serious questions about the health of democracy in Panama. Are they manipulating justice and delaying key processes to prevent Martinelli from participating on equal terms? Everything seems to be orchestrated to thwart the democratic desire of the people to freely choose their next president.
At this critical moment, Panamanian democracy is under threat and it is crucial that society demands the transparency and justice that are fundamental to a fair and legitimate electoral process.
ALSO FROM THE AUTHOR: Panama: a country of contrasts and tourist potential
Source: Panama America
I am David Miller, a highly experienced news reporter and author for 24 Instant News. I specialize in opinion pieces and have written extensively on current events, politics, social issues, and more. My writing has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC News. I strive to be fair-minded while also producing thought-provoking content that encourages readers to engage with the topics I discuss.
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