Panama's Government To Propose Changes To The Constitution

alt(Panama-Guide) - Panama America -  Despite the fact that Panama's president Ricardo Martinelli has denied any interest in re-election, the Government is considering making changes to the Constitution, including reducing from 10 to 5 years the prohibition to pursue a new mandate, to establish a runoff election, and to allow the extradition of nationals linked to terrorism, drug trafficking or murder. The Minister of the Presidency, Demetrio Papadimitriu, confirmed yesterday that inside of the current administration there is a "movement that promotes" the reforms. He stressed that among other changes being proposed would be the election of national level Deputies to the National Assembly, and the election of the provincial governors by direct popular vote. They also intend to include in the Constitution such programs as the Universal Scholarship and "$100 for 70" to avoid having the future of these programs depending on the good will or opinion of future governments. He said he had not heard anything about the inclusion of the issue of extradition, but the Ministry of Communication of the State did mention it in a newsletter sent to the media.

Immediate attack - Pedro Miguel Gonzalez, of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), reacted by saying the government of Ricardo Martinelli wants to "silence the voices of those who oppose him." He demanded that the Public Ministry investigate the case of Ramon Martinelli, cousin of the president, who is in prison in Mexico for money laundering.
 
Meanwhile the President of the National Bar Association, Rubén Elías Rodríguez, said "enough of these patches - what must be done is to call a constituent assembly to approve a new constitution." He stated it is inappropriate to propose reforms that will not solve the country's problems and referred to hidden political interests disguised with scholarships or other programs.
 
**********
Original Source: Panama-Guide
Date Retrieved: December 30, 2010.