Political+System+of+Panama

Political System of Panama
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Panama is a representative democracy with three branches of government: the executive and legislative branches elected by direct vote for 5-year terms, and an appointed judiciary. The judicial branch is organized under a nine-member Supreme Court (each judge is appointed for a 10-year term) and includes all tribunals and municipal courts. An Electoral Tribunal supervises voter registration, the election process, and the actions of the political parties. The current President of Panama is Ricardo Martinelli. The current Vice President is Juan Carlos Varela, who is also the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The current ambassador to the United States is Jaime E. Aleman.

Fast Facts about Panama's Political System:
 * Panama's constitution was ratified on October 11th, 1972 and amended in 1983 and 1994. The constitution was then reformed in 2004.


 * All Panamanians over the age of 18 may vote! This is the way the people of Panama can participate in the government. Since Panama is a democracy, the involvement of its citizens through voting in the elections is vital to the success of this country.


 * Major political parties include the following: Panamenista Party (formerly the Arnulfista Party (PA); Democratic Change (CD); National Liberal Republican Movement (MOLIRENA); Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD); Patriotic Union (UP).


 * Political leaders in Panama include members of the old elite. Most of the people in public life tend to be middle class and from an urban background.