Political conditions in Panama

Panama is a constitutional republic and has three branches of government, i.e., executive and legislative elected by direct and secret vote for 5-year terms and an independent appointed judiciary. The President holds the executive powers and assisted by two Vice Presidents and an appointed Cabinet of Ministers.

The legislative branch consists of a 72-member unicameral Legislative Assembly. The judicial power is vested on the Supreme Court of Justice comprising of nine judges appointed for a term of ten years. They are assisted by five superior courts and three courts of appeal. An autonomous Electoral Tribunal supervises voter registration, the election process and the activities of political parties. Everyone over the age of 18 is required to vote, although those who fail to do so are not penalized.

The military in Panama was abolished by constitutional amendment in 1994. The government still has a unique security arrangement with the U.S. due to the Neutrality Treaty of the Panama Canal. As a result, the risks of going back to the earlier military regime are virtually non-existent.

Panama is has a stable government with excellent government infrastructure and very low crime rate helping in creating a pro-business attitude, policy and Roman law system.

GOWEALTHY.COM © 2010
For comments: editor@gowealthy.com
For further information, write to enquiry@gowealthy.com