Info
Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated.
Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please
contact the ACE facilitators .
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The country is divided into single- and multi-member constituencies.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 147 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population c . Compactness of constituencies d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries e . Geographic size of district f . Communities of interest/cultural concerns g . Other
Comments: The territory of the different provinces and regions is divided in electoral circuits according to different guidelines for its configuration, starting from the political division into administrative districts and then considering territorial proximity, demographic concentration, ties of vicinity, means of communication, and historic and cultural features.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 147 (1, 2, 4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: The Electoral Tribunal, after consultation with the legally established political parties, elaborates a bill for the delimitation of electoral constituencies and presents it to the Legislative Assembly for approval.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 147: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government b . Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: The President of the Republic is elected for a period of five years.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 175–177: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
a . Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: The president of the Republic is both the head of State and the head of government. They are elected for a five-year term by simple majority of votes. Re-election is not allowed for two immediate terms.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 175–178: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 175–193: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The national legislature consists of a single 71-member chamber, the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 146, 147: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
e . Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)
Comments: In single-member constituencies deputies are elected by plurality vote, whereas in multi-member constituencies deputies are elected by proportional representation.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 147 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 451–454: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: For every national election, the Electoral Tribunal adopts specific regulations.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums e . Other
Comments: It regulates the elections for president and vice-president of the Republic, legislators, mayors, Councillors and local representatives. It also regulates the organization of referenda, as well as the election of representatives to the Central American Parliament.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
b . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law c . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
Comments: Voting is considered a civic duty, but no sanctions are imposed to voters who do not vote.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 135: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 6: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: The Electoral Tribunal
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 595, 610, 615: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: Besides the presidential and legislative elections, it is responsible for the election of deputies to the Central American Parliament, mayors, Councillors and local government representatives. Additionally, the Electoral Tribunal might provide guidance and training on the elections of public and private institutions when asked to.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 142, 143: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 6, 144: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
a . The President c . The legislature g . Other
Comments: The Electoral Tribunal plans its own budget and submits it to the President. It is then examined by the National Assembly and included in the General State Budget.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 143 (9), 184 (7), 267, 268: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 142: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: During the year immediately preceding the general election and until the end of the electoral period, the Electoral Tribunal will be audited by the Comptroller General of the Republic.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 143 (9), 280: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The members of the Electoral Tribunal are appointed for a term of 10 years.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 142 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Electoral Tribunal is autonomous and independent, with legal personality, its own budget and administrative autonomy.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 142 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Electoral Tribunal is composed of 3 members.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 142 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The members of the Electoral Tribunal must fulfil the following requirements:
Be Panamanian citizens by birth; Be at least 35 years old; Be in full possession of their civil and political rights; Have a law degree; Have 10 years of experience as a lawyer, a judge, a law professor at any university or in any civil servant position that requires a law degree.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 142 (2), 204: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
c . Executive e . Legislature f . Judiciary
Comments: One member is selected by the Legislature, another by the Executive Branch and the third by the Supreme Court of Justice.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 142 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Electoral Tribunal publishes a bulletin providing with information on any electoral issue.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 145: https://aceproject.org/em-em/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Tribunal Electoral de Panamá, Instituto de Estudios Democráticos (INED): https://ined.ac.pa/
Verified: 2024/12/05
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 145: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 145: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 131, 135: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Verified: 2024/12/05
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: Electors must be Panamanian citizens, have a personal identity card, be registered in the electoral roll and be in full possession of their civil and political rights.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 131, 132, 135: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 5, 9: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Electoral Tribunal, through the department of Registry and Census.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 143 (5, 6): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 1, 13, 18, 21 & 23, 26–28: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: It is an essential requirement in order to exercise the right to vote.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 143 (5, 6): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 1, 5–7, 9 (2), 13–15, 21–28, 30: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) c . Regional distribution requirement f . Other
Comments: * Signatures equivalent to at least 4% of the total valid votes cast in the last presidential elections * The distribution most be as follows: 7 in at least 40% of the country's districts; 10 per province and 5 per comarca (indigenous district) * File statutes and declaration of principles * There is a clear distinction in the law of two separate stages in terms of the constitution and legal recognition of a political party. First, an application, subscribed by at least 500 citizens with all their political rights, must be presented to the Electoral Tribunal. Once such application is approved, along with the proposed declaration of principles, government program and statutes, the political party has one year to gather the necessary members for obtaining its legal recognition, without which political parties cannot nominate candidates.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 47, 51, 52–53 62–65, 67: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution: 146.
Verified: 2007/09/25
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence
Comments: The candidates:
a) must be Panamanian citizens, born or naturalized, residing 15 years in the country;
b) must be 21 years old;
d) must have one year of residence at the electoral constituency for which they wish to run.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 153: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 10, 33, 336, 338: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution: 146.
Verified: 2007/09/25
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
b . In presidential elections c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: Only the 3 independent candidates with the highest number of signatures can compete in presidential elections.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 146: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 3, 312–318, 326–332, 345, 356, 365,: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 179: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004/ (2012);
Electoral Code as amended by laws 4 and 31 of 2013, art. 246-A, 246-B: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2013/ (2013)
Verified: 2014/04/25
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 141: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 108–109, 110 (8, 9, 13, 14), 200, 207–212, 214–218: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
a . Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance b . Based on result of previous election e . Other
Comments: Independent candidates are granted an amount according to the number of signatures gathered to support their candidacies.
40% of the funding is distributed before the elections equally to all eligible political parties. The remaining 60% is distributed to political parties who kept their legal registration and independent candidates who were elected according to the number of votes obtained.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 207–218: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Contributions from individuals or legal entities are allowed, they can be made in cash, and up to 10,000 balboas per year can be deducted from taxes.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 231–233, 244: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 165 (1), 186, 431: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
a . Never recounted
Comments: Ballots are burnt after vote-counting and the drafting of minutes are finalized.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 434 (12), 436, 462: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 140: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 110 (14), 253: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections
Comments: The organisation of three debates is mandatory.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 275: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
b . 2-3 days
Comments: Results of opinion polls cannot be published in the 2 days prior to Election Day.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 300, 413: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The amount presidential candidates can use depends on the pre-electoral public financing they receive. In the case of legislative elections, besides the public financing, candidates can use up to 30% of the maximum amount approved for private financing.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 211: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 151, 313 (2), 314, 325: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 485–511: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Some constitutional amendments and international Panama Canal-related agreements must be approved by referendum.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 313 (2), 325: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 485–487, 509: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Recalls are requested by, at least, 30% of the voters registered in the Electoral Roll of the corresponding electoral district in the corresponding election. Political parties can include that the corresponding citizens vote to enforce the recall of those who were nominated by them. For recalls to be binding, at least 50% of the registered voters must vote.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 151: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 491, 492, 493–497: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Constitution: 239.
Electoral Law: 369.
Verified: 2007/10/01
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: Constitution: 151.
Source:
Verified: 2007/10/01
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/10/25
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/10/25
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Adoption of international treaties
Comments: Only applicable to constitutional amendments and international treaties referred to the Panama Channel.
Source: Constitution: 313.2, 314 and 325.
Electoral Law: 358-360.
Verified: 2007/10/01
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
k . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/10/01
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
c . Transfer of authority to international bodies d . National sovereignty, national self-determination e . Conflict between constitutional organs f . Devolution g . Civil service h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments
Comments: Only applicable to constitutional amendments and international treaties referred to the Panama Channel.
Source: Constitution: 313.2, 314 and 325.
Verified: 2007/10/01
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: 358-360.
Verified: 2007/10/01
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 486, 497: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: -Constitutional reforms. -Panama Canal-related treaties and agreements.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 313 (2), 325: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 485, 487: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/05
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The merging of municipalities, municipal citizen initiatives and referendums, and recall of municipal authorities.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 151, 238, 239: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 498–508: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Official Website of the Electoral Tribunal: http://www.tribunal-electoral.gob.pa/html/index.php?id=73
Verified: 2024/12/05
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
c . 1921-1940
Comments: 15 de diciembre de 1940, para aprobar la Constitución de 1941
Source: Electoral Tribunal's official website: http://www.tribunal-electoral.gob.pa/html/fileadmin/user_upload/administracion/capacitacion/Modulo_3_-_2010.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2014/04/28
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 6, 16: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/06
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: Out-of-country votes are only cast for presidential elections.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 12: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/06
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
e . By mail
Comments: Out-of-country votes are cast over the Internet.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 12: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/06
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Voting over the Internet is only available for out-of-country voting and for security, sanitary, media and electoral staff who work throughout Election Day.
Source: Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 12, 417, 423– 425, 428: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Verified: 2024/12/06
VO012
How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
The smallest polling station: three chief electoral officers and three substitutes electoral officers.
The largest polling station: three chief electoral officers and three substitutes electoral officers.
Average per polling station:
Source
No Source
Verified
2014/04/25
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