Then there is the ostensible contender in second place, Vallarino, and Bernal, trailing in third place. The lack of both the public listing and regulations affecting campaign donations have allowed for widespread corrupt practices in the past, including the de facto buying of public officers. Unlike the United States, where there is a financial cap of $2,300 placed on contributions to presidential campaign as well as the requirement that a public listing of any donation over $250 be recorded, Panama has no such restriction nor limitation on funds that can be donated to a campaign. At the same time, there are factors that make Bernal’s prospects very compelling, in spite of his underdog status. His chances of winning the election have consistently been dismissed in the polls and by practiced hands, which have incessantly portrayed him as a non-factor in the race.īut the negative publicity surrounding the front runner candidate Bobby Velásquez, and his murky financial ties to the exiled Colombian financier, David Murcia Guzmán, are proving damaging not only to the previously favored candidate’s public standing, but also to his ultimate chances for victory. Then, as well as now, his campaign has lacked adequate funding and the kind of media attention that his campaign deserves.

The 1999 mayoral elections served to establish the unanticipated but key role being played by mayoral candidate, Miguel Antonio Bernal, who also is running as an independent in the current election. However, it is no secret that corruption and fraud are once again being counted on to sway the upcoming election results, with the heavy financial influence already being exercised by isthmus criminal elements and the suspect role of some well-known government officials. But even these sometimes questionable polls are now showing a narrowing of the numbers that separate the top two contenders. Panama’s notoriously slapdash political polling system is a particular cause for concern as depressing news of fraudulent activity has been associated with each of Panama’s political posts. For these reasons, special attention is being paid to this year’s Panama City mayoral elections. Panamanians and the international community alike still remember the shady and repressive rule that Panama’s citizens endured during the regime of former dictator Manuel Noriega. According to the March 29 TVN Noticias Panamá findings, candidate Bobby Velásquez was drawing 43 percent of the vote Bosco Vallarino was at 35 percent and Miguel Antonio Bernal was in third place with 16 percent.īesides being well known for its current surge of drug trafficking and banking irregularities, Panama’s elections, law enforcement, politicians and polls continue to be viewed as subjects of corruption. Daily news stories focusing on the candidates and their campaigns have captured the attention of registered Panamanian voters as well as the local and international media. The results, up until now, are deeply embarrassing to those directly involved – particularly in the mayoral race – due to the fact that Panama City’s mayoralty is the second most important political office in the country. However, several mayoral candidates are under critical examination due to revelations that occurred during their election campaigns that have managed to sully their reputations. Panama will undergo a change of administration on May 3, as both presidential and mayoral elections take place. Bernal in a class of his own in an otherwise seedy field.Panama’s Electoral Tribunal makes decision regarding Vallarino.Latest antics in an opéra bouffe election year.Media attention and investigations, or lack of them, influence polling numbers.Bosco Vallarino is under investigation for his dual citizenship which he tried to conceal.Corruption and fraud are the focus of May 3 presidential and mayoral election in Panama City

Ana matilde gomez