Panama
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The law bans donations from several foreign sources, including legal entities without economic activity in Panama (Art. 230.1) and foreign religious congregations (Art. 230.6). While it also bans contributions from foreign governments or persons, it includes a key exception: donations from foreign political entities (parties, foundations) are permitted if they are not for electoral campaigns (Art. 230.3). Source
Source: Artículo 230, 556, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, 556, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (EN) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates, and political parties that violate Article 230 shall be punished with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230.
|
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The law explicitly extends the ban on donations to pre-candidates and candidates. This includes contributions from foreign legal entities without economic activity in Panama (Art. 230.1), foreign governments or persons (Art. 230.3), and foreign religious congregations (Art. 230.6). The exception for non-campaign funds from foreign political entities applies only to parties, not directly to candidates. Source
Source: Artículo 230, 556, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, 556, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230. (EN) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates, and political parties that violate Article 230 shall be punished with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
While not a general ban, donations are prohibited from specific legal entities. This includes companies without economic activity in Panama (Art. 230.1), those with state contracts or shareholding (Art. 230.4 & 230.5), and those convicted of serious crimes like corruption or money laundering (Art. 230.7). (Art. 556) Indicates the penalty. Source
Source: Artículo 230, 556, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, 556, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230. (EN) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates, and political parties that violate Article 230 shall be punished with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
While not a general ban, donations are prohibited from specific legal entities. This includes companies without economic activity in Panama (Art. 230.1), those with state contracts or shareholding (Art. 230.4 & 230.5), and those convicted of serious crimes like corruption or money laundering (Art. 230.7). (Art. 556) Indicates the penalty. Source
Source: Artículo 230, 556, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, 556, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230. (EN-Unofficial English translation) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates, and political parties that violate Article 230 shall be punished with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
The law does not ban donations from trade unions. Article 230 of the Electoral Code, which lists all prohibited sources of donations, does not include trade unions among them. Source
Source: Artículo 230, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) (EN) Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
The law does not ban donations from trade unions to candidates. Article 230 of the Electoral Code, which lists all prohibited sources of donations for candidates, does not include trade unions among them. Source
Source: Artículo 230, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) (EN) Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Article 230.2 explicitly prohibits anonymous donations. The only exception is for contributions originating from "popular collections" that are regulated within the Electoral Code. (Art. 556) Indicates the penalty. Source
Source: Artículo 230, 556, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, 556, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230. (EN) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates, and political parties that violate Article 230 shall be punished with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Article 230.2 explicitly prohibits anonymous donations. The only exception is for contributions originating from "popular collections" that are regulated within the Electoral Code. (Art. 556) Indicates the penalty. Source
Source: Artículo 230, 556, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, 556, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230. (EN) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates, and political parties that violate Article 230 shall be punished with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Panamanian law prohibits donations from companies where the State is a shareholder (Art. 230.4) and those that are state contractors or public service concessionaires. This ban applies whether the donation is direct or from another company within the same economic group (Art. 230.5). (Art. 556) Indicates the penalty. Source
Source: Artículo 230, 556, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, 556, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230. (EN) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates, and political parties that violate Article 230 shall be punished with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Panamanian law prohibits donations from companies where the State is a shareholder (Art. 230.4) and those that are state contractors or public service concessionaires. This ban applies whether the donation is direct or from another company within the same economic group (Art. 230.5). (Art. 556) Indicates the penalty. Source
Source: Artículo 230, 556, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, 556, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230. (EN) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates, and political parties that violate Article 230 shall be punished with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Article 230.4 prohibits donations from any company where the State is a shareholder. The law does not specify a minimum percentage of ownership, so the ban applies even to partial ownership. (Art. 556) Indicates the penalty. Source
Source: Artículo 230, 556, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, 556, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230. (EN) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates, and political parties that violate Article 230 shall be punished with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Article 230.4 prohibits donations from any company where the State is a shareholder. The law does not specify a minimum percentage of ownership, so the ban applies even to partial ownership. (Art. 556) Indicates the penalty. Source
Source: Artículo 230, 556, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, 556, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230. (EN) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates, and political parties that violate Article 230 shall be punished with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Panamanian law broadly prohibits the use of state resources for political purposes. The Constitution (Art. 136.1) forbids direct or indirect official support for candidates. The Electoral Code is more specific, criminalizing the illegitimate use of state assets and resources for or against any candidate or party (Art. 523.3) and banning political propaganda within public buildings (Art. 573). Source
Source: Artículo 136, Constitución Política de la República de Panamá. Article 136, Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama. | Artículo 523, 573, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 523, 573, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) (EN) (ES) Artículo 573. Se sancionará con multa de quinientos balboas (B/. 500.00) a tres mil balboas (B/. 3,000.00) y el comiso de la propaganda, a las personas, precandidatos y candidatos que realicen todo tipo de actividad proselitista o de propaganda política, tales como la fijación, colocación o distribución de anuncios o afiches a favor o en contra de precandidatos, candidatos o partidos políticos dentro de las oficinas, dependencias y edificios públicos. (EN) Article 573. A fine of five hundred balboas (B/. 500.00) to three thousand balboas (B/. 3,000.00) and the confiscation of the propaganda shall be imposed on persons, pre-candidates and candidates who carry out any type of proselytizing activity or political propaganda, such as the fixing, placement or distribution of advertisements or posters in favour of or against pre-candidates, candidates or political parties within public offices, dependencies and buildings. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf https://constitucion.te.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Texto-editado-por-la-Asamblea-Nacional.pdf |
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period? |
Code
No
Comment
The provided articles of the Electoral Code establish limits on private financing for candidates specifically during the pre-campaign (Art. 245) and the electoral campaign (Art. 244) periods. However, they do not mention a specific limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party outside of these election-related periods. Source
Source: Artículo 244, 245, 248, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 244, 245, 248, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 245. Para la precampaña, todos los precandidatos, sean de partidos políticos o por libre postulación, tendrán como tope de ingresos y gastos un tercio del tope establecido para la campaña en el artículo anterior; del cual hasta un tercio podrá ser utilizado en propaganda electoral. En el caso de los precandidatos que aspiren a ser postulados por un partido político, este tope de ingresos y gastos se aplicará en el periodo comprendido entre la fecha en que la postulación queda en firme y la fecha de las primarias. En el caso de los precandidatos por la libre postulación, ese tope de ingresos y gastos se aplicará así en el proceso de recolección de firmas de respaldo. Artículo 248. Ninguna nómina de candidatos a cargo de elección popular podrá recibir de una sola fuente contribuciones privadas que excedan los siguientes porcentajes sobre sus respectivos topes de gastos: (EN) Article 245. For the pre-campaign, all pre-candidates, whether from political parties or by independent nomination, will have an income and expense cap of one-third of the cap established for the campaign in the previous article; of which up to one-third may be used for electoral propaganda. In the case of pre-candidates aspiring to be nominated by a political party, this income and expense cap will apply in the period between the date the nomination is confirmed and the date of the primaries. In the case of pre-candidates by independent nomination, this income and expense cap will apply during the process of collecting supporting signatures. Article 248. No list of candidates for elective office may receive from a single source private contributions that exceed the following percentages of their respective expenditure ceilings: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
-This question is not applicable. As established in the answer to the previous question, Panamanian law does not specify a contribution limit for donations made directly to political parties during a non-election period. -The existing regulations on contribution limits (Art. 248) apply specifically to donations made to a candidate's slate for their campaign expenses, not to the political party as an institution. Source
Source: Artículo 248, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 248, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) (EN) Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election? |
Code
No
Comment
The Electoral Code does not establish a specific limit on the amount a donor can contribute directly to a political party's general funds. Source
Source: Artículo 248, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 248, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) (EN) Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
The Electoral Code does not establish a specific limit on the amount a donor can contribute directly to a political party's general funds. Source
Source: Artículo 248, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 248, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) (EN) Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Comment
According to Article 248, a single donor cannot contribute more than a specific percentage of the candidate slate's total private spending cap. This limit is 3% for presidential slates and 25% for slates for deputies, mayors, and other local offices. The total spending caps for each position are defined in Article 244. Source
Source: Artículo 244, 248, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 244, 248, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 248. Ninguna nómina de candidatos a cargo de elección popular podrá recibir de una sola fuente contribuciones privadas que excedan los siguientes porcentajes sobre sus respectivos topes de gastos: (EN) Article 248. No list of candidates for elective office may receive from a single source private contributions that exceed the following percentages of their respective expenditure ceilings: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit? |
Code
other (explain in comments in local currency)
Comment
The limit for a single donor (natural or legal person) is not a fixed amount but is calculated as a percentage of the total private spending cap for each candidate slate (Art. 248). For presidential slates, the limit is 3% of the total cap. With a total cap of B/. 10,000,000 (Art. 244), a single donor can contribute up to B/. 300,000. For slates for deputies, mayors, and other local offices, the limit is 25% of their respective caps. For a deputy, with a total cap of B/. 300,000, a single donor can contribute up to B/. 75,000. Source
Source: Artículo 244, 248, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 244, 248, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 248. Ninguna nómina de candidatos a cargo de elección popular podrá recibir de una sola fuente contribuciones privadas que excedan los siguientes porcentajes sobre sus respectivos topes de gastos: (EN) Article 248. No list of candidates for elective office may receive from a single source private contributions that exceed the following percentages of their respective expenditure ceilings: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign? |
Code
Yes, specific limit for candidates
Comment
A candidate's contribution to their own campaign is limited: "donated or own resources," must be used "within the indicated caps." Source
Source: Artículo 231, 244, 248, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 231, 244, 248, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 244. Para el desarrollo de las actividades descritas en el artículo 231 durante las campañas electorales [...] se establece un tope al financiamiento privado [...]. Para el cargo de presidente de la República, será de diez millones de balboas (B/.10 000 000.00) y para diputado, será de trescientos mil balboas (B/.300 000.00). Artículo 248. Ninguna nómina de candidatos a cargo de elección popular podrá recibir de una sola fuente contribuciones privadas que excedan los siguientes porcentajes sobre sus respectivos topes de gastos [...]. Para aplicar este tope, la nómina restará lo que financie con recursos propios. (EN) Article 244. For the development of the activities described in Article 231 during electoral campaigns [...] a cap on private financing is established [...]. For the position of President of the Republic, it shall be ten million balboas (B/.10,000,000.00) and for deputy, it shall be three hundred thousand balboas (B/.300,000.00). Article 248. No list of candidates for elective office may receive from a single source private contributions that exceed the following percentages of their respective expenditure ceilings [...]. To apply this ceiling, the list of candidates will subtract what it finances with its own resources. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
Permitted sources of party income include donations in the form of good and services, and there is no limitation Source
Source: Artículo 232, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 232, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. | Artículo 135, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 135, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065). | Artículo 1, 2, Decreto 24 de 19 de mayo de 2023 (Boletín 5360-E). Article 1, 2, Decree 24 of May 19, 2023 (Bulletin 5360-E). (ES) Artículo 135. Las donaciones incluirán aportes en efectivo y en especie, tanto del precandidato o candidato, como de terceros. Las donaciones en especie deberán estar sustentadas con su correspondiente factura de compra o comprobante emitido por el donante. En caso de que el candidato o partido no pueda aportar esta documentación, el Tribunal Electoral le asignará el valor que le corresponda de acuerdo con la matriz de precios elaborada por la Autoridad de Protección al Consumidor (ACODECO) y aprobada por el Tribunal Electoral previa consulta con el Consejo Nacional de Partidos Políticos (CNPP). Artículo 1. Establecer una matriz de precios de algunos productos e insumos susceptibles de ser objeto de donaciones políticas, con el fin de corroborar los ingresos y gastos de campaña de los que no exista factura con la cual pueda cotejarse su costo. Artículo 2. Los precandidatos, candidatos o partidos políticos que reciban productos o insumos objeto de donaciones políticas donde se omitan las facturas correspondientes, se regirán por los precios indicados en la matriz de precio que consta en el anexo A de este decreto. (EN) Article 232. Pre-candidates and candidates in constituencies with more than ten thousand voters are obligated to deposit all private contributions they receive and the contributions they make from their own resources for their campaigns into a single campaign account at the National Bank of Panama or the Savings Bank (Caja de Ahorros). All campaign expenses must also be paid from this account. Article 135. Donations shall include contributions in cash and in kind, from the pre-candidate or candidate, as well as from third parties. In-kind donations must be supported by their corresponding purchase invoice or proof issued by the donor. In the event that the candidate or party cannot provide this documentation, the Electoral Tribunal will assign the corresponding value according to the price matrix prepared by the Consumer Protection Authority (ACODECO) and approved by the Electoral Tribunal after consultation with the National Council of Political Parties (CNPP). Article 1. To establish a price matrix for some products and promotional supplies that may be the subject of political donations, in order to corroborate campaign income and expenses for which there is no invoice with which their cost can be compared. Article 2. Pre-candidates, candidates or political parties that receive products or supplies subject to political donations for which the corresponding invoices are omitted, shall be governed by the prices indicated in the price matrix contained in Annex A of this decree. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf https://www.tribunal-electoral.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BOLETIN-DEL-TRIBUNAL-ELECTORAL-N.%C2%B0-5360-E.pdf |
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Regulations require that in-kind donations be valued monetarily. This value is then included as part of the total private financing limit that political parties can receive for campaigns. Source
Source: Artículo 232, 248, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 232, 248, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. | Artículo 135, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 135, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065). | Artículo 1, 2, Decreto 24 de 19 de mayo de 2023 (Boletín 5360-E). Article 1, 2, Decree 24 of May 19, 2023 (Bulletin 5360-E). (ES) Artículo 248. Ninguna nómina de candidatos a cargo de elección popular podrá recibir de una sola fuente contribuciones privadas que excedan los siguientes porcentajes sobre sus respectivos topes de gastos: 1. Las presidenciales, 3 %. 2. Las de diputados, incluyendo a los del Parlamento Centroamericano, los alcaldes, concejales y representantes de corregimiento, 25 %. Para aplicar este tope, la nómina restará lo que financie con recursos propios. Artículo 135. Las donaciones incluirán aportes en efectivo y en especie, tanto del precandidato o candidato, como de terceros. Las donaciones en especie deberán estar sustentadas con su correspondiente factura de compra o comprobante emitido por el donante. En caso de que el candidato o partido no pueda aportar esta documentación, el Tribunal Electoral le asignará el valor que le corresponda de acuerdo con la matriz de precios [...]. Artículo 1. Establecer una matriz de precios de algunos productos e insumos susceptibles de ser objeto de donaciones políticas, con el fin de corroborar los ingresos y gastos de campaña de los que no exista factura con la cual pueda cotejarse su costo. Artículo 2. Los precandidatos, candidatos o partidos políticos que reciban productos o insumos objeto de donaciones políticas donde se omitan las facturas correspondientes, se regirán por los precios indicados en la matriz de precio que consta en el anexo A de este decreto. (EN) Article 248. No list of candidates for elective office may receive from a single source private contributions that exceed the following percentages of their respective expenditure ceilings: 1. Presidential candidates, 3%. 2. Those of deputies, including those of the Central American Parliament, mayors, councilmen, and town council representatives, 25%. To apply this ceiling, the list of candidates will subtract what it finances with its own resources. Article 135. Donations shall include contributions in cash and in kind, from the pre-candidate or candidate, as well as from third parties. In-kind donations must be supported by their corresponding purchase invoice or proof issued by the donor. In the event that the candidate or party cannot provide this documentation, the Electoral Tribunal will assign the corresponding value according to the price matrix [...]. Article 1. To establish a price matrix for some products and promotional supplies that may be the subject of political donations, in order to corroborate campaign income and expenses for which there is no invoice with which their cost can be compared. Article 2. Pre-candidates, candidates or political parties that receive products or supplies subject to political donations for which the corresponding invoices are omitted, shall be governed by the prices indicated in the price matrix contained in Annex A of this decree. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf https://www.tribunal-electoral.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BOLETIN-DEL-TRIBUNAL-ELECTORAL-N.%C2%B0-5360-E.pdf |
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities? |
Code
No
Comment
There is no explicit ban. The Electoral Code grants political parties, as legal entities, the right to acquire and dispose of property (Art. 110.1) and to perform acts and contracts under common law (Art. 110.2), which allows for commercial engagement. Source
Source: Artículo 110, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 110, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) (EN) Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
The law explicitly permits political parties to take out loans for campaign purposes. Article 180 of the 2022 decree lists loans from banks and other companies operating in Panama as valid sources of interim financing for electoral propaganda and campaign expenses. Source
Source: Artículo 180, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 180, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065) (ES) (EN) Available at: https://rinedtep.edu.pa/server/api/core/bitstreams/b7a78de2-9385-414f-81e1-1dda5b9ea1b9/content |
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
The provided legal framework does not contain a specific prohibition on candidates taking out loans for their campaigns. The regulations explicitly mention and regulate loans for political parties (Decree 29, Art. 180), but are silent on the matter of individual candidates. Source
Source: Artículo 180, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 180, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065) (ES) (EN) Available at: https://rinedtep.edu.pa/server/api/core/bitstreams/b7a78de2-9385-414f-81e1-1dda5b9ea1b9/content |
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes? |
Code
No
Comment
-The law does not ban donors from participating in public procurement. The regulation works in the reverse: it prohibits entities that are currently state contractors from making donations (Art. 230.5). -Both the Electoral Code (Art. 230.5) and the 2022 Decree (Art. 145.5) specify that the ban applies to any person or company that is a state contractor at the time of the donation. Source
Source: Artículo 230,556, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 230, 556, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. | Artículo 145, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 145, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065). (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230. Artículo 145. Fuentes prohibidas de recaudación de fondos. Quedan prohibidas las siguientes donaciones o aportes a partidos políticos, precandidatos y candidatos: [...] (EN) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates, and political parties that violate Article 230 shall be punished with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Article 145. Prohibited sources of fundraising. The following donations or contributions to political parties, pre-candidates and candidates are prohibited: [...] Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system? |
Code
Sometimes
Comment
-The law mandates that both political parties (Art. 233) and candidates in constituencies with over 10,000 voters (Art. 232) must deposit all private contributions into a single campaign account within the national banking system. -The requirement to use the banking system is mandatory for all political parties. For candidates, however, it only applies to those in constituencies with more than 10,000 voters. Source
Source: Artículo 232, 233, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 232, 233, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. | Artículo 157, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 157, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065). (ES) Artículo 233. Los partidos políticos están en la obligación de depositar todas las contribuciones privadas que reciban para la campaña de cada proceso electoral, en una cuenta única de campaña en el Banco Nacional de Panamá o en la Caja de Ahorros. Todos los gastos de campaña también deberán pagarse de dicha cuenta. Artículo 157. La persona que aspire a postularse como candidato principal a un cargo de elección popular por un partido político o por libre postulación, en circunscripciones con más de diez mil (10,000) electores, deberá: 1. Abrir una cuenta corriente personal en el Banco Nacional de Panamá o en la Caja de Ahorros que será referida en lo sucesivo como cuenta única de campaña [...]. El propósito de la cuenta es manejar todos los recursos en dinero que el precandidato o candidato invierta para participar en un proceso electoral, sean de su patrimonio personal o de las contribuciones que reciba de personas naturales o jurídicas, o de su partido, sean de financiamiento privado o público. [...] La recaudación de fondos privados fuera de las cuentas únicas de campaña será sancionada según lo dispuesto en el artículo 569 del Código Electoral. (EN) Article 233. Political parties are obligated to deposit all private contributions they receive for the campaign of each electoral process into a single campaign account at the National Bank of Panama or the Savings Bank (Caja de Ahorros). All campaign expenses must also be paid from this account. Article 157. A person who aspires to be nominated as a principal candidate for a popularly elected office by a political party or by independent nomination, in constituencies with more than ten thousand (10,000) voters, must: 1. Open a personal current account in the National Bank of Panama or in the Savings Bank (Caja de Ahorros), which will be referred to hereinafter as the single campaign account [...]. The purpose of the account is to manage all monetary resources that the pre-candidate or candidate invests to participate in an electoral process, whether from their personal assets or from contributions received from natural or legal persons, or from their party, whether from private or public financing. [...] The collection of private funds outside the single campaign accounts will be sanctioned as provided in Article 569 of the Electoral Code. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties? |
Code
Yes, both regularly and in relation to campaigns
Comment
Panamanian law creates a fund equivalent to 1% of the central government's revenues for each election cycle. This is divided into pre-electoral financing for campaigns and post-electoral financing for operations. Source
Source: Artículo 141, Constitución Política de la República de Panamá. Article 141, Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama. | Artículo 204, 207, 210, 214, 216, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 204, 207, 210, 214, 216, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 204. Para efectos de los fines del artículo anterior, para cada elección general se aprobará en el Presupuesto del Tribunal Electoral, correspondiente al año inmediatamente anterior al de las elecciones, una partida equivalente al 1 % de los ingresos corrientes presupuestados para el Gobierno Central. Esta suma será desembolsada al Tribunal Electoral, así: Artículo 207. El financiamiento preelectoral estará destinado a contribuir con los gastos de campaña electoral de los candidatos por libre postulación y partidos políticos que decidan participar en las elecciones generales, dicho financiamiento será el 50% del total financiamiento público asignado a las respectivas elecciones y se distribuirá según se dispone en los siguientes artículos. Artículo 210. El 93 % del monto correspondiente al financiamiento preelectoral, se asignará a todos los partidos políticos que participarán en las elecciones, para ser invertido en propaganda electoral y gastos de campaña, por conducto del Tribunal Electoral, de conformidad con las normas de este capítulo, así: Artículo 214. El financiamiento poselectoral será destinado a contribuir con los gastos de funcionamiento y capacitación, según se dispone en esta sección. Artículo 216. La forma de calcular el reparto del financiamiento poselectoral es la siguiente: (EN) Article 204. For the purposes of the preceding article, for each general election, an item equivalent to 1% of the current income budgeted for the Central Government shall be approved in the Budget of the Electoral Tribunal, corresponding to the year immediately preceding the elections. This sum shall be disbursed to the Electoral Tribunal, as follows: Article 207. The pre-electoral financing shall be destined to contribute to the electoral campaign expenses of the candidates by independent nomination and political parties that decide to participate in the general elections, said financing shall be 50% of the total public financing assigned to the respective elections and shall be distributed as provided in the following articles. Article 210. 93% of the amount corresponding to pre-electoral financing shall be allocated to all political parties that shall participate in the elections, to be invested in electoral propaganda and campaign expenses, through the Electoral Tribunal, in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, as follows: Article 214. The post-electoral financing shall be destined to contribute to the operating and training expenses, as provided in this section. Article 216. The way to calculate the distribution of post-electoral financing is as follows: Available at: https://constitucion.te.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Texto-editado-por-la-Asamblea-Nacional.pdf https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Comment
a) Pre-election financing: Share of Votes in Previous Election: The majority of this funding (75% of the total) is distributed proportionally based on the average number of votes each party obtained in the last election. b) Post-election financing: Representation in Elected Body: This criterion applies specifically to independent candidates, who only qualify for post-electoral funding if they are elected to office. Source
Source: Artículo 205, 207, 208, 210, 214, 215, 216, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 205, 207, 208, 210, 214, 215, 216, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 207. El financiamiento preelectoral estará destinado a contribuir. con los gastos de campaña electoral de los candidatos por libre postulación y partidos políticos que decidan participar en las elecciones generales, Dicho financiamiento será el 50% del total financiamiento público asignado a las respectivas elecciones y se distribuirá según se dispone en los siguientes artículos. Artículo 208. El 7 % del monto correspondiente al financiamiento preelectoral se asignará a los candidatos por libre postulación para ser invertido por estos en propaganda electoral y gastos de campaña; y se repartirá así: dos terceras partes para los tres candidatos presidenciales y un tercio para los candidatos a los demás cargos. Artículo 210. El 93 % del monto correspondiente al financiamiento preelectoral, se asignará a todos los partidos políticos que participarán en las elecciones, para ser invertido en propaganda electoral y gastos de campaña, por conducto del Tribunal Electoral, de conformidad con las normas de este capítulo, así: Artículo 214. El financiamiento poselectoral será destinado a contribuir con los gastos de funcionamiento y capacitación, según se dispone en esta sección. Artículo 215. Califican para participar en el reparto del financiamiento poselectoral, según se dispone en esta sección, los partidos políticos que hayan subsistido y los candidatos por libre postulación electos; estos últimos referidos como funcionarios electos por libre postulación. Artículo 216. La forma de calcular el reparto del financiamiento poselectoral es la siguiente: (EN) Article 207. Pre-electoral financing shall be destined to contribute to the electoral campaign expenses of the candidates and political parties that decide to participate in the general elections. Said financing shall be 50% of the total public financing assigned to the respective elections and shall be distributed as provided in the following articles. Article 208. Seven percent of the amount corresponding to the pre-electoral financing shall be assigned to the candidates for free nomination to be invested in electoral propaganda and campaign expenses; and shall be distributed as follows: two thirds for the three presidential candidates and one third for the candidates for the other offices. Article 210. 93% of the amount corresponding to pre-electoral financing shall be allocated to all political parties that shall participate in the elections, to be invested in electoral propaganda and campaign expenses, through the Electoral Tribunal, in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, as follows: Article 214. The post-electoral financing shall be destined to contribute to the operating and training expenses, as provided in this section. Article 215. Political parties that have survived and candidates elected by independent nomination, the latter referred to as officials elected by independent nomination, qualify to participate in the distribution of post-electoral financing, as provided in this section. Article 216. The way to calculate the distribution of post-electoral financing is as follows: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Equal
Proportional to votes received
Other
Comment
Pre-Electoral Financing (for campaigns): Source
Source: Artículo 207, 208, 210, 216, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 207, 208, 210, 216, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 208. El 7 % del monto correspondiente al financiamiento preelectoral se asignará a los candidatos por libre postulación para ser invertido por estos en propaganda electoral y gastos de campaña; y se repartirá así: dos terceras partes para los tres candidatos presidenciales y un tercio para los candidatos a los demás cargos. Artículo 210. El 93 % del monto correspondiente al financiamiento preelectoral, se asignará a todos los partidos políticos que participarán en las elecciones, para ser invertido en propaganda electoral y gastos de campaña, por conducto del Tribunal Electoral, de conformidad con las normas de este capítulo, así: Artículo 216. La forma de calcular el reparto del financiamiento poselectoral es la siguiente: (EN) Article 208. 7% of the amount corresponding to the pre-electoral financing shall be assigned to the candidates for independent nomination to be invested by them in electoral propaganda and campaign expenses; and it shall be distributed as follows: two thirds for the three presidential candidates and one third for the candidates for the other offices. The corresponding amount shall be distributed according to the valid signatures obtained by each one of them. Article 210. 93% of the amount corresponding to pre-electoral financing shall be allocated to all political parties that shall participate in the elections, to be invested in electoral propaganda and campaign expenses, through the Electoral Tribunal, in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, as follows: Article 216. The way to calculate the distribution of post-electoral financing is as follows: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)? |
Code
Comment
The use of public funds is strictly earmarked and differs for the two types of financing: Source
Source: Artículo 207, 208, 210, 214, 218, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 207, 208, 210, 214, 218, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 208. El 7 % del monto correspondiente al financiamiento preelectoral se asignará a los candidatos por libre postulación para ser invertido por estos en propaganda electoral y gastos de campaña; y se repartirá así: dos terceras partes para los tres candidatos presidenciales y un tercio para los candidatos a los demás cargos. El monto correspondiente se repartirá en función de las firmas válidas obtenidas por cada uno de ellos. Artículo 210. El 93 % del monto correspondiente al financiamiento preelectoral, se asignará a todos los partidos políticos que participarán en las elecciones, para ser invertido en propaganda electoral y gastos de campaña, por conducto del Tribunal Electoral, de conformidad con las normas de este capítulo. Artículo 214. El financiamiento poselectoral será destinado a contribuir con los gastos de funcionamiento y capacitación, según se dispone en esta sección. Artículo 218. A cada partido político se le entregará un aporte fijo igualitario y un aporte con base en los votos, según se explica a continuación: (EN) Article 208. 7% of the amount corresponding to the pre-electoral financing shall be assigned to the candidates for independent nomination to be invested by them in electoral propaganda and campaign expenses; and it shall be distributed as follows: two thirds for the three presidential candidates and one third for the candidates for the other offices. The corresponding amount shall be distributed according to the valid signatures obtained by each one of them. Article 210. 93% of the amount corresponding to pre-electoral financing shall be allocated to all political parties that shall participate in the elections, to be invested in electoral propaganda and campaign expenses, through the Electoral Tribunal, in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. Article 214. The post-electoral financing shall be destined to contribute to the operating and training expenses, as provided in this section. Article 218. Each political party shall be given a fixed equal contribution and a contribution based on votes, as explained below: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Constitution grants political parties the right to equal use of state-administered media. Source
Source: Artículo 140, Constitución Política de la República de Panamá. Article 140, Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama. | Artículo 266, 583, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 266, 583, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 266. Las radioemisoras y televisoras otorgarán a todos los candidatos y partidos un beneficio único, igual y lineal del 20% de descuento en las tarifas de compras regulares publicadas por cada medio al 31 de diciembre del año anterior a su aplicación. Artículo 583. Se sancionará con multa de mil balboas (B/. 1 000.00) a diez mil balboas (B/. 10 000.00) a las radioemisoras o televisoras que incumplan la obligación prevista en el artículo 266 de otorgar el descuento sobre la propaganda allí prevista. (EN) Article 266. Radio and television stations will grant all candidates and parties a unique, equal, and linear benefit of a 20% discount on the regular purchase rates published by each medium as of December 31 of the year prior to its application. Article 583. Radio or television stations that fail to comply with the obligation provided in Article 266 to grant the discount on the propaganda provided therein shall be sanctioned with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/. 1,000.00) to ten thousand balboas (B/. 10,000.00). Available at: https://constitucion.te.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Texto-editado-por-la-Asamblea-Nacional.pdf https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Equal
Comment
For state-run media, access is granted "on equal terms". For private broadcasters, the mandatory 20% discount is described as a "unique, equal, and linear benefit" for all candidates and parties. Source
Source: Artículo 140, Constitución Política de la República de Panamá. Article 140, Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama. | Artículo 253, 266, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 253, 266, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 253. El Tribunal Electoral reglamentará la utilización de los medios de comunicación social que el gobierno administre, para que los partidos políticos puedan utilizarlos en igualdad de condiciones. Artículo 266. Las radioemisoras y televisoras otorgarán a todos los candidatos y partidos un beneficio único, igual y lineal del 20% de descuento en las tarifas de compras regulares publicadas por cada medio al 31 de diciembre del año anterior a su aplicación. (EN) Article 253. The Electoral Tribunal will regulate the use of the social communication media administered by the government, so that political parties may use them on equal terms. Article 266. Radio and television stations will grant all candidates and parties a unique, equal, and linear benefit of a 20% discount on the regular purchase rates published by each medium as of December 31 of the year prior to its application. Available at: https://constitucion.te.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Texto-editado-por-la-Asamblea-Nacional.pdf https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Electoral Code explicitly mandates that private radio and television stations must grant a unique, equal, and linear discount to all candidates and parties. Source
Source: Artículo 266, 583, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 266, 583, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 583. Se sancionará con multa de mil balboas (B/. 1 000.00) a diez mil balboas (B/. 10 000.00) a las radioemisoras o televisoras que incumplan la obligación prevista en el artículo 266 de otorgar el descuento sobre la propaganda allí prevista. (EN) Article 583. Radio or television stations that fail to comply with the obligation provided in Article 266 to grant the discount on the propaganda provided therein shall be sanctioned with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/. 1,000.00) to ten thousand balboas (B/. 10,000.00). Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Political parties benefit from exemptions on import duties for propaganda, vehicles, and office equipment and their fundraising activities are tax-exempt. Other benefits include free postage for official correspondence and subsidized utilities like free phone lines and discounted electricity for certain party offices. Source
Source: Artículo 108, 109, 199, 200, 201, 254, 255, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 108, 109, 199, 200, 201, 254, 255, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 109. Los partidos políticos podrán importar libres de derechos de introducción y demás gravámenes equipos informáticos y mobiliarios de oficina. Artículo 199. Toda gestión y actuación en materia electoral o relacionada con los partidos políticos se adelantarán en papel común y no darán lugar a impuesto de timbres ni al pago de derechos de ninguna clase. La correspondencia, los expedientes, exhortos y demás actuaciones cursarán libres de porte por los correos y telégrafos nacionales. Artículo 200. Toda actividad que realicen los partidos políticos con el propósito de recaudar fondos estará exenta del pago de impuesto, timbres y demás derechos fiscales. Artículo 201. Son gastos deducibles del impuesto sobre la renta, las contribuciones y donaciones en efectivo hechas por personas naturales o jurídicas a los partidos políticos o a candidatos a puestos de elección popular. Cada contribuyente podrá deducir hasta un monto total de diez mil balboas (B/.10 000.00) anuales. Artículo 254. Los partidos políticos gozarán de una línea telefónica sin cargos para llamadas locales, incluyendo llamadas a teléfonos celulares, en una sede permanente que tenga establecida en las cabeceras provinciales. En estas sedes partidarias, además gozarán de un descuento del 50 % de la tarifa de electricidad. Artículo 255. Los partidos políticos podrán importar libre de derechos de introducción y demás gravámenes hasta cinco vehículos de trabajo, hasta de una y media tonelada, y de pasajeros hasta de treinta plazas y cinco sistemas de amplificación de sonido o de comunicación, cada cuatro años. En caso de que algunos de los vehículos o estos equipos sufran un desperfecto mecánico irreparable, comprobado antes de los cuatro años, previa certificación al Tribunal Electoral, el partido político afectado podrá solicitar la importación de otro vehículo o de estos equipos para reemplazarlos. Los vehículos no podrán ser vendidos sino después de transcurridos cuatro años de uso y mediante el pago de los impuestos de importación que en ese momento se causen como vehículos usados. Los vehículos a que se refiere este artículo deberán portar los distintivos del respectivo partido. (EN) Article 109. Political parties may import office equipment and computer equipment free of customs duties and other levies. Article 199. All management and actions in electoral matters or related to political parties shall be carried out on plain paper and shall not give rise to stamp tax or the payment of any kind of fees. Correspondence, files, exhorts and other proceedings shall be sent free of charge by the national mail and telegraphs. Article 200. All activities carried out by political parties for the purpose of raising funds shall be exempt from the payment of taxes, stamps and other fiscal duties. Article 201. Contributions and donations in cash made by natural or legal persons to political parties or to candidates for popularly elected office are deductible expenses for income tax purposes. Each taxpayer may deduct up to a total amount of ten thousand balboas (B/.10,000.00) annually. Article 254. Political parties shall enjoy a telephone line free of charge for local calls, including calls to cell phones, in a permanent headquarters established in the provincial capitals. In these party headquarters, they will also enjoy a 50% discount on the electricity rate. This benefit will be extended to candidates by independent nomination during the electoral period, that is, from the day after the date on which the resolution of the Electoral Tribunal recognizing the candidacy becomes final and until one month after election day. This rule is of public order and social interest and is retroactive. Article 255. Political parties may import, free of import duties and other taxes, up to five work vehicles, up to one and a half tons, and passenger vehicles with up to thirty seats, and five sound amplification or communication systems, every four years. In the event that any of the vehicles or this equipment suffers irreparable mechanical damage, proven before the four years, after certification to the Electoral Tribunal, the affected political party may request the importation of another vehicle or equipment to replace them. The vehicles may not be sold until after four years of use and upon payment of the import taxes that at that time are incurred as used vehicles. The vehicles referred to in this article must bear the emblems of the respective party. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
-The law earmarks a minimum of 20% of the funds designated for training to be used for activities exclusively for the training of women. -The link is not a condition for receiving funds based on the number of female candidates. Rather, it is a requirement for how a portion of the post-electoral public funding must be spent. Source
Source: Artículo 111, 218, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 218, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 218. A cada partido político se le entregará un aporte fijo igualitario y un aporte con base en los votos, según se explica a continuación: (EN) Article 218. Each political party shall be given a fixed equal contribution and a contribution based on votes, as explained below: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
-The law does not establish any other financial advantages to encourage gender equality. The only specific financial provision is the requirement to earmark 20% of training funds for women (Art. 218). While parties have a procedural duty to ensure female participation (Art. 111.13), this is not linked to any additional financial bonus. -The only specific financial provision is the requirement to allocate a minimum of 20% of the training funds for women's training (Art. 218). While parties have a legal obligation to establish procedures to ensure female participation (Art. 111.13), this is a procedural duty and is not linked to any additional financial bonus or incentive. Source
Source: Artículo 111, 218, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 218, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 218. A cada partido político se le entregará un aporte fijo igualitario y un aporte con base en los votos, según se explica a continuación: (EN) Article 218. Each political party shall be given a fixed equal contribution and a contribution based on votes, as explained below: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
38. Is there a ban on vote buying? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Electoral Code explicitly criminalizes the act of buying or selling a vote in exchange for money, goods, in-kind payments, or services. Source
Source: Artículo 525, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 525, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) (EN) Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend? |
Code
Yes
Comment
-Spending from public funds is limited to the specific amount the party is allocated. Spending from private funds is also capped, as a party cannot receive (and therefore spend) more than one-third of the pre-electoral public funding that the highest-funded party receives (Art. 232). -See Source
Source: Artículo 210, 232, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 210, 232, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 232. Los precandidatos y candidatos en circunscripciones mayores de diez mil electores están en la obligación de depositar todas las contribuciones privadas que reciban y los aportes que hagan de sus propios recursos para sus campañas, en una cuenta única de campaña en el Banco Nacional de Panamá o en la Caja de Ahorros. Todos los gastos de campaña también deberán pagarse de dicha cuenta. (EN) Article 232. Pre-candidates and candidates in constituencies with more than ten thousand voters are obligated to deposit all private contributions they receive and the contributions they make from their own resources for their campaigns into a single campaign account at the National Bank of Panama or the Savings Bank (Caja de Ahorros). All campaign expenses must also be paid from this account. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
other
Comment
-Spending from private funds is also capped, as a party cannot receive (and therefore spend) more than one-third of the pre-electoral public funding that the highest-funded party receives (Art. 232). -See Source
Source: Artículo 210, 232, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 210, 232, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. | Artículo 1, Decreto 55 de 21 de diciembre de 2023 (Boletín 5538-A). Article 1, Decree 55 of December 21, 2023 (Bulletin 5538-A). (ES) Artículo 232. [...] Para las campañas, los partidos políticos podrán recibir en concepto de financiamiento privado, hasta un tercio del monto que le corresponde al partido que más financiamiento público preelectoral reciba, sin poder excederse del monto de este. Artículo 1. El monto que podrá recaudar cada uno de los partidos políticos de fuente privada para gastos de campaña en la Elección General del 5 de mayo de 2024, según lo dispone el artículo 232 del Código Electoral, se ha estipulado en el Anexo A de este Decreto. (EN) Article 232. [...] For campaigns, political parties may receive as private financing, up to one-third of the amount corresponding to the party that receives the most pre-electoral public financing, without being able to exceed this amount. Article 1. The amount that each of the political parties may collect from private sources for campaign expenses in the General Election of May 5, 2024, as provided in Article 232 of the Electoral Code, has been stipulated in Annex A of this Decree. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf https://www.tribunal-electoral.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BOLETIN-DEL-TRIBUNAL-ELECTORAL-N.%C2%B0-5538-A-1.pdf |
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Electoral Code establishes specific spending caps on the private financing a candidate can use. Source
Source: Artículo 244, 245, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 244, 245, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 245. Para la precampaña, todos los precandidatos, sean de partidos políticos o por libre postulación, tendrán como tope de ingresos y gastos un tercio del tope establecido para la campaña en el artículo anterior; del cual hasta un tercio podrá ser utilizado en propaganda electoral. (EN) Article 245. For the pre-campaign, all pre-candidates, whether from political parties or by independent nomination, shall have as an income and expense ceiling one-third of the ceiling established for the campaign in the preceding article; of which up to one-third may be used for electoral propaganda. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
other
Comment
The limits for the main campaign vary by office (Art. 244) Source
Source: Artículo 244, 245, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 244, 245, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 245. Para la precampaña, todos los precandidatos, sean de partidos políticos o por libre postulación, tendrán como tope de ingresos y gastos un tercio del tope establecido para la campaña en el artículo anterior; del cual hasta un tercio podrá ser utilizado en propaganda electoral. (EN) Article 245. For the pre-campaign, all pre-candidates, whether from political parties or by independent nomination, shall have as an income and expense ceiling one-third of the ceiling established for the campaign in the preceding article; of which up to one-third may be used for electoral propaganda. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities? |
Code
Yes, third parties banned from campaign spending
Comment
Complete ban on third-party spending for electoral propaganda. It is explicitly prohibited for any natural or legal person, acting on their own or on behalf of others, to contract or donate electoral propaganda for or against any party or candidate. Source
Source: Artículo 271, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 271, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) (EN) Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
Yes, for candidates
Yes, for political parties
Comment
All pre-candidates have a specific sub-limit. Their spending on propaganda cannot exceed one-third of their total pre-campaign spending cap. Spending on media is part of the overall private financing cap for their specific office . Notably, presidential slates are prohibited from using private funds for propaganda during the general election. Parties' spending on media is limited by their public funding allocation. The law earmarks 70% of their pre-electoral public funds specifically for propaganda expenses. Source
Source: Artículo 210, 231, 244, 245, 260, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 210, 231, 244, 245, 260, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 231. Las nóminas podrán financiar con recursos donados o propios, dentro de los topes señalados, actividades como: [...] Artículo 244. Para el desarrollo de las actividades descritas en el artículo 231 durante las campañas electorales [...] se establece un tope al financiamiento privado [...]. Para el cargo de presidente de la República, será de diez millones de balboas (B/.10 000 000.00) y para diputado, será de trescientos mil balboas (B/.300 000.00). Artículo 245. Para la precampaña, todos los precandidatos, sean de partidos políticos o por libre postulación, tendrán como tope de ingresos y gastos un tercio del tope establecido para la campaña en el artículo anterior; del cual hasta un tercio podrá ser utilizado en propaganda electoral. Artículo 260. Son medios de difusión de la propaganda electoral los siguientes: (EN) Article 231. The slates may finance with donated or own resources, within the indicated caps, activities such as: [...] Article 244. For the development of the activities described in Article 231 during the electoral campaigns [...] a ceiling is established for private financing [...]. For the office of President of the Republic, it shall be ten million balboas (B/.10,000,000.00) and for deputy, it shall be three hundred thousand balboas (B/.300,000.00). Article 245. For the pre-campaign, all pre-candidates, whether from political parties or by independent nomination, shall have as an income and expense ceiling one-third of the ceiling established for the campaign in the preceding article; of which up to one-third may be used for electoral propaganda. Article 260. The following are the means of dissemination of electoral propaganda: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
Yes, for candidates
Yes, for political parties
Comment
Spending on online media is part of the overall private financing cap for their specific office. Presidential slates are prohibited from using private funds for any propaganda during the general election. Parties' spending on online media is limited by their public funding allocation. The law earmarks 70% of their pre-electoral public funds specifically for propaganda expenses. Source
Source: Artículo 210, 231, 244, 245, 260, 262, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 210, 231, 244, 245, 260, 262, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 231. Las nóminas podrán financiar con recursos donados o propios, dentro of los topes señalados, actividades como: [...] Artículo 244. Para el desarrollo de las actividades descritas en el artículo 231 durante las campañas electorales [...] se establece un tope al financiamiento privado [...]. Para el cargo de presidente de la República, será de diez millones de balboas (B/.10 000 000.00) y para diputado, será de trescientos mil balboas (B/.300 000.00). Artículo 245. Para la precampaña, todos los precandidatos, sean de partidos políticos o por libre postulación, tendrán como tope de ingresos y gastos un tercio del tope establecido para la campaña en el artículo anterior; del cual hasta un tercio podrá ser utilizado en propaganda electoral. Artículo 260. Son medios de difusión de la propaganda electoral los siguientes: [...] Artículo 262. Son medios de comunicación digitales: (EN) Article 231. The slates may finance with donated or own resources, within the indicated caps, activities such as: [...] Article 244. For the development of the activities described in Article 231 during the electoral campaigns [...] a ceiling is established for private financing [...]. For the office of President of the Republic, it shall be ten million balboas (B/.10,000,000.00) and for deputy, it shall be three hundred thousand balboas (B/.300,000.00). Article 245. For the pre-campaign, all pre-candidates, whether from political parties or by independent nomination, shall have as an income and expense ceiling one-third of the ceiling established for the campaign in the preceding article; of which up to one-third may be used for electoral propaganda. Article 260. The following are the means of dissemination of electoral propaganda: [...] Article 262. Digital media are: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Propaganda is prohibited during the "veda electoral" (electoral ban period), which includes the three days prior to the election. The Electoral Tribunal has the authority to order the removal or suspension of digital propaganda that violates the rules. Source
Source: Artículo 264, 271, 274, 278, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 264, 271, 274, 278, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 271. Es prohibido: Artículo 274. La veda electoral comprende los siguientes periodos: Artículo 278. Se prohíbe la propaganda electoral que sea anónima, la que incite a la violencia, a la intolerancia, al delito, la que sea calumniosa, injuriosa, discriminatoria, la que utilice símbolos patrios, la imagen de algún prócer o de alguna persona sin su consentimiento, la que sea sexista, la que atente contra los buenos valores y costumbres, la que denigre la dignidad humana o la que utilice la imagen de niños, niñas y adolescentes. (EN) Article 271. It is prohibited: Article 274. The electoral ban comprises the following periods: Article 278. Electoral propaganda that is anonymous, that incites violence, intolerance, crime, that is slanderous, libelous, discriminatory, that uses national symbols, the image of a national hero or of any person without their consent, that is sexist, that attempts against good values and customs, that denigrates human dignity or that uses the image of children and adolescents is prohibited. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Political parties have a general obligation to maintain a complete set of accounting books registered with the Electoral Tribunal. For the post-electoral public funding they receive, parties must report on their expenses quarterly. Failure to submit these regular reports results in the suspension of subsequent funds. Source
Source: Artículo 111, 219, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 111, 219, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) (EN) Article 219. Political parties and officials elected by independent nomination who have received more than five thousand balboas (B/. 5,000.00), must justify, on a quarterly basis, before the Directorate of Political Financing Oversight, all expenses incurred. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of subsequent disbursements. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Political must hire a certified public accountant to formally register all income and expenses. To access their pre-electoral public funding, parties must submit justifications and invoices for their expenses to the Electoral Tribunal Source
Source: Artículo 210, 235, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 210, 235, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. | Artículo 187, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 187, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065). (ES) Artículo 235. Para el registro de sus ingresos y gastos de campaña, los partidos políticos están obligados a contratar los servicios de un contador público autorizado, y registrarlo en la Dirección de Fiscalización del Financiamiento Político del Tribunal Electoral, aportando copia del contrato, cuyo texto será suministrado por este. Artículo 187. Plazo para la presentación de los gastos incurridos con el financiamiento público preelectoral. La presentación de la documentación de los gastos ejecutados por los partidos políticos sobre los otros gastos de campaña que corresponden al 30 % del financiamiento público preelectoral deberá hacerse desde el 1 de febrero de 2023 y hasta el 4 de junio de 2024. En caso de que los partidos políticos presenten o hayan presentado una fianza de anticipo por el 100 % del monto adelantado, el vencimiento de dicha fianza podrá ser o extenderse hasta el 4 de junio de 2024. (EN) Article 235. For the registration of their campaign income and expenses, the political parties are obliged to hire the services of an authorized public accountant, and register it with the Directorate for the Control of Political Financing of the Electoral Tribunal, providing a copy of the contract, the text of which shall be supplied by the latter. Article 187. Deadline for the presentation of the expenses incurred with the pre-electoral public financing. The presentation of the documentation of the expenses executed by the political parties on the other campaign expenses corresponding to 30% of the pre-electoral public financing must be made from February 1, 2023, until June 4, 2024. In the event that the political parties present or have presented an advance bond for 100% of the amount advanced, the expiration of said bond may be or be extended until June 4, 2024. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf https://rinedtep.edu.pa/server/api/core/bitstreams/b7a78de2-9385-414f-81e1-1dda5b9ea1b9/content |
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
-All candidates must submit a sworn report of their campaign finances. The requirements vary by constituency size; for those over 10,000 voters, the report must also be certified by an authorized public accountant. Presidential candidates also require the signature of a campaign treasurer. -The requirements vary by constituency size: for those in constituencies with over 10,000 voters, the report must also be certified by an authorized public accountant. Presidential candidates also require the signature of a campaign treasurer. Source
Source: Artículo 209, 240, 241, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 209, 240, 241, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 240. Todos los precandidatos y candidatos en circunscripciones menores de diez mil electores deben entregar un informe de ingresos y gastos, suscrito mediante declaración jurada por el precandidato o candidato [...].. Artículo 241. En circunscripciones mayores de diez mil electores, el informe será suscrito mediante declaración jurada, firmada por el precandidato o candidato, y el contador público autorizado, registrado ante el Tribunal Electoral. En el caso de los precandidatos y candidatos presidenciales, el informe de ingresos y gastos será firmado por el tesorero y un contador público autorizado [...].. (EN) Article 240. All pre-candidates and candidates in constituencies with less than ten thousand voters must submit a report of income and expenses, signed under oath by the pre-candidate or candidate. Article 241. In constituencies with more than ten thousand voters, the report shall be signed under oath by the pre-candidate or candidate, and the authorized public accountant, registered with the Electoral Tribunal. In the case of pre-candidates and presidential candidates, the report of income and expenses shall be signed by the treasurer and an authorized public accountant. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances? |
Code
Third parties are banned from participating in campaigns
Comment
Third parties are prohibited from spending on electoral propaganda, so there are no provisions requiring them to report on such finances. Source
Source: Artículo 271, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 271, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) (EN) Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The law requires the Electoral Tribunal to provide public access to financial information from both political parties and candidates, specifying publication on its website. Source
Source: Artículo 111, 242, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 111, 242, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 242. Las nóminas de candidatos a cargos de elección popular en circunscripciones mayores de diez mil electores, con excepción de la nómina presidencial, podrán designar un tesorero de campaña, quien será responsable de la administración de los fondos de la campaña. Son obligaciones del tesorero de campaña: (EN) Article 242. The slates of candidates for popularly elected offices in constituencies with more than ten thousand voters, with the exception of the presidential slate, may appoint a campaign treasurer, who shall be responsible for the administration of the campaign funds. The duties of the campaign treasurer are: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The law requires candidates to keep a detailed record of all private contributions, including the donor's full name and identification number. Source
Source: Artículo 130, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 130, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065). (ES) (EN) Available at: https://rinedtep.edu.pa/server/api/core/bitstreams/b7a78de2-9385-414f-81e1-1dda5b9ea1b9/content |
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The law requires candidates to keep a detailed record of private contributions, specifying the amount received from each individual donor and the total amounts from fundraising events. Source
Source: Artículo 130, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 130, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065). (ES) (EN) Available at: https://rinedtep.edu.pa/server/api/core/bitstreams/b7a78de2-9385-414f-81e1-1dda5b9ea1b9/content |
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The law requires candidates to keep a detailed record of their expenses, identifying the recipient and the purpose (concept) of each individual expenditure. Source
Source: Artículo 130, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 130, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065). (ES) (EN) Available at: https://rinedtep.edu.pa/server/api/core/bitstreams/b7a78de2-9385-414f-81e1-1dda5b9ea1b9/content |
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates? |
Code
EMB
Comment
Financial reports are submitted to the Directorate of Political Financing Oversight, a specialized department within the Electoral Tribunal. Source
Source: Artículo 219, 242, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 219, 242, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 242. Las nóminas de candidatos a cargos de elección popular en circunscripciones mayores de diez mil electores, con excepción de la nómina presidencial, podrán designar un tesorero de campaña, quien será responsable de la administración de los fondos de la campaña. Son obligaciones del tesorero de campaña: (EN) Article 242. The slates of candidates for popularly elected offices in constituencies with more than ten thousand voters, with the exception of the presidential slate, may appoint a campaign treasurer, who shall be responsible for the administration of the campaign funds. The duties of the campaign treasurer are: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
EMB
Comment
The Electoral Tribunal is responsible for auditing and examining financial reports. The investigation of violations is the specific competence of the electoral administrative prosecutors. Source
Source: Artículo 136, 137, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 136, 137, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065). (ES) Artículo 137. Competencia. La competencia para investigar la violación a las normas de financiamiento privado corresponde a los fiscales administrativos electorales; y la de aplicar las sanciones corresponde a los juzgados administrativos electorales. La decisión admitirá recurso de apelación ante el Pleno del Tribunal Electoral. (EN) Article 137. Competence. The competence to investigate the violation of the norms of private financing corresponds to the electoral administrative prosecutors; and the competence to apply the sanctions corresponds to the electoral administrative courts. The decision shall be subject to appeal before the Plenary of the Electoral Tribunal. Available at: https://rinedtep.edu.pa/server/api/core/bitstreams/b7a78de2-9385-414f-81e1-1dda5b9ea1b9/content |
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Impose sanctions
Carry out investigation
Refer for investigation
Request additional information from others
Request additional information from potential violator
Comment
The Electoral Tribunal and its specialized bodies have comprehensive powers. This includes auditing reports, investigating violations through its prosecutors, and imposing sanctions through its administrative courts. It can also request information from the parties/candidates under investigation and compel collaboration from other public institutions. Source
Source: Artículo 238, 717, 718, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 238, 717, 718, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. | Artículo 136, 137, Decreto 29 de 31 de mayo de 2022 (Boletín 5065). Article 136, 137, Decree 29 of May 31, 2022 (Bulletin 5065). (ES) Artículo 717. El Tribunal Electoral es competente para conocer de los delitos, contravenciones y faltas electorales, y para imponer las sanciones en asuntos electorales que no estén atribuidas a otra autoridad. Las multas que deban imponerse en virtud de este Código, salvo norma en contrario, competen al Tribunal Electoral, ingresarán a su patrimonio y serán convertibles en arresto a razón de un día por cada cincuenta balboas (B/.50.00). Artículo 718. El Tribunal Electoral podrá comisionar a los jueces de circuito o municipales de lo penal, al secretario general, al director de Asesoría Legal o a un funcionario de esta Dirección, a los directores regionales y a los registradores electorales distritales, para la práctica de determinadas diligencias. La Fiscalía General Electoral podrá comisionar a los fiscales de circuito y a los personeros municipales para la práctica de determinadas diligencias. Artículo 136. Auditoría. El Tribunal Electoral llevará a cabo las auditorías que considere necesarias para verificar el cumplimiento de todas las normas en materia de apertura y manejo de las cuentas únicas de campaña, y de registros para los que no tienen cuenta; así como del origen de sus financiamientos y topes de campaña. Artículo 137. Competencia. La competencia para investigar la violación a las normas de financiamiento privado corresponde a los fiscales administrativos electorales; y la de aplicar las sanciones corresponde a los juzgados administrativos electorales. La decisión admitirá recurso de apelación ante el Pleno del Tribunal Electoral. (EN) Article 717. The Electoral Tribunal is competent to hear electoral crimes, contraventions and misdemeanors, and to impose sanctions in electoral matters that are not attributed to another authority. The fines to be imposed by virtue of this Code, unless otherwise provided, are the responsibility of the Electoral Tribunal, shall be added to its assets and shall be convertible into arrest at the rate of one day for every fifty balboas (B/.50.00). Article 718. The Electoral Tribunal may commission the circuit or municipal criminal judges, the secretary general, the director of Legal Counsel or an official of this Directorate, the regional directors and the district electoral registrars, for the practice of certain proceedings. The Electoral General Prosecutor's Office may commission the circuit prosecutors and the municipal representatives for the practice of certain proceedings. Article 136. Audit. The Electoral Tribunal shall carry out the audits it deems necessary to verify compliance with all the rules regarding the opening and management of the single campaign accounts, and of registrations for those who do not have an account; as well as the origin of their funding and campaign ceilings. Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf https://rinedtep.edu.pa/server/api/core/bitstreams/b7a78de2-9385-414f-81e1-1dda5b9ea1b9/content |
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions? |
Code
Comment
Sanctions range from fines for most infractions (like late reporting or accepting prohibited donations) to imprisonment and loss of political rights for severe mismanagement by a campaign treasurer. Other penalties include deducting fines from public funding and suspending a new party's registration process. Source
Source: Artículo 526, 556, 563, 569, Código Electoral de Panamá, 2022. Article 526, 556, 563, 569, Electoral Code of the Republic of Panama, 2022. (ES) Artículo 556. Serán sancionados con multa de mil balboas (B/.1,000.00) a veinticinco mil balboas (B/. 25,000.00) los precandidatos, candidatos y partidos políticos que violen el artículo 230. Artículo 563. Se sancionará con multa a los partidos políticos por violaciones a las normas del financiamiento privado, así: Artículo 569. La recaudación de fondos privados fuera de las cuentas únicas de campaña será sancionada así: (EN) Article 556. Pre-candidates, candidates and political parties who violate Article 230 shall be sanctioned with a fine of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) to twenty-five thousand balboas (B/. 25,000.00). Article 563. Political parties shall be sanctioned with a fine for violations of the rules of private financing, as follows: Article 569. The collection of private funds outside the single campaign accounts shall be sanctioned as follows: Available at: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29482_A/GacetaNo_29482a_20220222.pdf |