Further electoral reform protests are likely in Panama

Significance

Amendments put forward by the legislature have been criticised by actors that helped create the draft text of the proposal, as undermining principles agreed by the electoral reform commission (CNRE). With President Laurentino Cortizo’s administration already accused of lacking transparency, the reform could provide a flashpoint for rising dissatisfaction with the government.

Impacts

• More protests are likely to accompany the second and third readings of the bill in the current legislative session.
• Transparency concerns will increase scrutiny of government activity, especially regarding pandemic procurement.
• The long lead-time to the next elections will maintain electoral reform as an issue over the medium-term, during implementation.