In its usual weekend statement, the largest private business association pointed out that in that consultation only 13 deputies out of 71 were reelected, “which leaves a clear and forceful message: Panamanians want a change of substance and form”, the call highlights.

According to CCIAP, the votes showed support for the values of respect, an agenda of renovation, transparency, and citizen attention.

In this sense, it warns that the challenges to the electoral processes must be presented promptly and be attended to with the celerity that the law establishes, respecting the trust deposited in the ballot boxes by the citizens.

Regarding this revision of the voting process, the businessmen urged to avoid suspicions with the mandate of the citizens’ will and that some challenges may be perceived as being aimed at ensuring a parliamentary majority or for the election of the Board of Executive of the Parliament.

The Electoral Tribunal should ensure -as it has traditionally done-that each vote be respected, and each challenge is resolved with the promptness and impartiality that the moment demands, the document states.

CCIAP’s pronouncement comes after some magistrates such as Eduardo Valdés pointed out that knowing the results of these processes before July 1 -when the NA is installed- will depend on whether the administrative courts admit the lawsuits. jrr/arm/lam/ga