Experts debate International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy Report in Panama
The meeting, which brought together diplomats and cooperation officials, political figures, and members of civil society, focused on an analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing democratic systems at the global and regional levels and in Panama.
Alicia del Águila, program manager for International IDEA in Panamá presented the findings. Del Águila stressed that, although the global landscape presents growing “radical uncertainty,” marked by misinformation and polarization, understanding these trends is the first and most crucial step in defending democratic institutions.
The report places Panama in the middle of the global ranking of 173 countries but highlights a positive trend: the country has improved its score in all categories evaluated between 2023 and 2024. Panama ranks 36th in Representation, 62nd in Rights, 71st in Rule of Law, and 62nd in Participation. These advances would indicate a stable democratic foundation. However, the report also emphasizes that there are still significant challenges that require sustained effort to ensure the consolidation and deepening of its governance system.
Deputy Magistrate Gilberto Estrada, representing the Plenary of the Electoral Tribunal, underscored the importance of collaboration with International IDEA. “This research not only provides us with a diagnosis of the state of democracy but also offers concrete proposals for channeling national and regional actions that facilitate debate on human rights and the deepening of democratic governance,” said the magistrate.
The event concluded with an enriching panel discussion, “A Look at the State of Democracy in the World and the Americas.” The debate featured experts such as journalist Sabrina Bacal, political scientist Alfredo Castillero Hoyos, and International IDEA´s program officer Nicolás Liendo, who offered an analysis that invited the audience to reflect and act.
During the debate, diverse topics were addressed, including gender parity in politics. The experts highlighted the need for Panama to eliminate the “loopholes” that weaken existing laws and follow the example of other countries that have achieved greater equity.
The conversation served as a reminder that defending democracy is an ongoing task that requires all of us.
About the authors
