Understanding Panama’s government policy before relocating to Panama is an important step in doing your due diligence, particularly if you’re planning on a long-term residency or investment. Panama is a constitutional democracy, which means that the people of Panama have the right to vote and elect their own leaders. The government of Panama is divided into three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. Each of these branches has its own responsibilities and duties. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how Panama’s democracy works and what it means for the people of Panama.
Breaking down the history of Panama’s government and democracy
Panama’s government has a long history of democracy, dating back to the 19th century. Panama’s first constitution was ratified in 1904, and it provided for a representative government with an elected president and legislature. Panama held its first free and fair elections in 1908. However, Panama’s democracy was interrupted by a military dictatorship from 1968 to 1989. During this time, Panama’s constitution was suspended and civil liberties were curtailed. Panama returned to democracy in 1989 with the election of President Guillermo Endara. Since then, Panama has held free and fair elections every five years.
The Panama Canal Treaty Referendum of 1977 is widely considered to be one of the most important events in Panama’s recent history. This referendum gave Panama the right to administer the Panama Canal, which had been under the control of the United States since 1903. The Panama Canal Treaty Referendum was a turning point for Panama’s democracy because it showed that the people of Panama were willing to stand up for their rights and fight for their country’s sovereignty. The Panama Canal Treaty Referendum also had a significant impact on Panama’s economy, as the Panama Canal is one of the most important shipping routes in the world.
The Three Branches of Government
Panama’s government is divided into three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. The executive branch is responsible for carrying out the laws of Panama. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws. The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting the laws and ensuring that they are applied fairly. The President of Panama is the head of the executive branch. The President is elected by the people of Panama and serves a five-year term. The President appoints the Cabinet, which is made up of the heads of the various government departments.
The Panama legislature is made up of two houses: the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly is composed of 71 members, who are elected by the people of Panama to serve five-year terms. The Senate is composed of 26 members, who are elected by the people of Panama to serve five-year terms. Within the Panama legislature, there are a number of political parties, as well as party partnerships, and independents (though sparse). The Panama legislature is responsible for passing laws, ratifying treaties, and approving the national budget. The Panamanian legislature meets in the National Assembly Building in Panama City.
The Panama judiciary is made up of the Supreme Court, the appellate courts, and the lower courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court in Panama and is made up of nine justices, who are appointed by the President to serve seven-year terms. The appellate courts are made up of three judges, who are appointed by the President to serve five-year terms. The lower courts are made up of magistrate judges, who are appointed by the Supreme Court to serve four-year terms. Under unique circumstances, Panama’s Legislative Assembly may also impeach Panama’s President, Vice President, or any of the members of the Supreme Court.
Voting in Panama
Voting in Panama is compulsory for all citizens aged 18-65. Panama has a two-round system for presidential elections. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes in the first round, a second round is held between the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round. In order to vote in Panama government elections, citizens must be registered with the Electoral Tribunal. registration is free and can be done at any time. Panama also has early voting, absentee voting, and voting by mail. Elections in Panama are conducted by the Electoral Tribunal, which is an independent body that is responsible for ensuring that elections are free and fair.
The Electoral Tribunal is made up of nine members, who are appointed by the Supreme Court to serve seven-year terms. This tribunal is responsible for registering voters, organizing elections, and counting votes. The Electoral Tribunal is also responsible for investigating and prosecuting any cases of electoral fraud. Panama’s most recent presidential election was held on May 5, 2019. The election was won by Laurentino Cortizo of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD). The PRD has been the ruling party in Panama a number of times, and Panama’s former president before Cortizo, Juan Carlos Varela, is also a member of the PRD.
Why Panama’s democracy is important to the region at large
Panama’s democracy is one of the most stable and longest-running in Latin America, despite the infamous period of military rule under Manuel Noriega in the 1980s. Panama’s democracy has served as an example to other countries in the region, and it’s one of the big reasons that many people choose to relocate to Panama for investment or retirement. The importance of a stable democracy in the region can not be overstated, as it provides a measure of certainty and predictability that is critical for businesses and investors. Panama’s democracy also helps to ensure that the country’s domestic and foreign policies are based on the will of the people, rather than the whims of an autocratic leader.
Panama’s democracy and the Panama Government are also important in the region because of the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, and it is a critical artery for global trade. The canal is also a major source of revenue for Panama, and it is one of the reasons that Panama has one of the strongest economies in Latin America. Given the importance of the Panama Canal to global trade, it is critical that Panama remains a stable democracy in order to maintain the peace and security of the region.
If you’re interested in relocating to Panama, feel free to contact us, and we would be happy to help you find the perfect fit in Panama in all areas that you need.
