And maybe with this I say goodbye

Panama is going through one of its own the worst institutional crisis, in almost the last four decades, including the military coup of 1968, the pyrrhic triumph of Nicolás Ardito in 1984, the revelations of Díaz Herrera in 1987, and the annulment of the results of the 1989 electoral tournament.

In the 21st century, it is absurd to observe how, instead of progress a political-electoral matter as an essentially democratic state, we went backwards. This entails dire consequences within the national socioeconomic system. After two years of going through the consequences caused by the pandemic, we cannot raise our heads. Let’s look at the unemployment rates and the number of companies that were forced to close. Let’s cross each other.

Two recent administrations have dedicated themselves to dismantling the achievements of the previous two. The Panamanian has less and less money in his pocket and less initiative private is brought to the smallest expression. Not to mention the possibility of attracting foreign investments after the failed implementation of the mining project, agreed behind the backs of the people.

Whoever it is to take Government from July 1 next July, not everything is simple. Unfortunately for all of us, the alternatives to running the country for the next five years are terrifying. There has never been a worse line-up of candidates in the Republican era of this country than those running for the presidency today. The only candidate who could in some way objectively solve the current crisis we are going through is busily trying to continue participating in the race.

He has the entire state apparatus against him, which, like a real wizard, continues to bring out hares in the form of pandering, a shameful act contrary to s to any institutional order and decency.

But the political class and the ruling party cannot be solely blamed for the institutional crisis. They are definitely the main culprits. His accomplices are certain businessmen who prefer the status quo, i.e mediated social communication platforms tailored to you, individual union leaders, numerous foreign forces from the left and right with their programs and the general apathy of the population. Dear reader, if you have children, grandchildren, or any kind of offspring, you should be as concerned as I am. Above all, observing hollow and mediocre election offer. Credentials and lack of experience are obvious. Where are your suggestions? The dead letter on which they wrote their government plans looks nice. But they are still just that. Let’s not keep eating stories.

Miro said: “I look around and sometimes I get scared…”. Today, more than ever This verse of the folk bard from the beginning of the last century echoes. We still have time to correct the mistake. We still have time to find the solutions that the national problem is looking for. Let us then be responsible for future generations.

It is not my place to tell anyone how to vote. It would be disrespectful to anyone’s intelligence. But let’s consider the circumstances. Pay attention to the discussions. See how each candidate behaves. Don’t waste your time reading texts forwarded through the networks, nor to slogans on fences on avenues and highways. These candidates neither think nor write about it. That’s what you pay for and that’s part of the election campaign. We live under an “anything goes” philosophy, as part of a democratic exercise. Although some go too far in disrespecting the integrity of the candidate’s family members.

For my part, using my right to be wrong or not, I chose my candidate a little while ago. Given the chance, I would run and maybe do a better job than many in the race, given who my opponents would be. What can I offer? Unconditional love for my country; having solid academic and professional experience; global exposure; after I was able to surround myself with capable and principled people and a firm belief that governing the country is not an opportunity for profit on a personal level. My career in public service is solid proof of the latter. Since I am not participating as a candidate, I can only say: “open your Panamanian eyes and don’t let yourself be defeated once again. Panama deserves more luck.”