International IDEA and civil society organizations delivered an agreement on parity to the Electoral Tribunal

With this submission, the organizations seek to eliminate the mechanism that, according to the signatories, has allowed for systematic non-compliance with parity: the so-called “escape clause.” The organizations emphasize that, although Panama has a legal framework for parity, the persistence of this exception clause has undermined the effectiveness of the rule, keeping female representation below regional standards.

Consequently, political parties must guarantee the equal nomination of women and men in all constituencies. Failure to comply with this principle should result in the rejection of nomination lists.

During the ceremony, a representative from each organization signed the declaration.

Also, attending the ceremony were Yara Campos, Executive Director of the Electoral Tribunal of Panama, and Ana Raquel Santamaría, acting Electoral Attorney General, among others.

The signatory groups are: Women's Alliance, Association of Women Parliamentarians and Former Parliamentarians of Panama; Association of Emberá Women Artisans; International Centre for Political and Social Studies; National Forum of Women in Political Parties; Ngäbe Buglé Women's Forum; Fundagénero; Panama Academy Foundation; Foundation for the Development of Citizen Freedom; Independents for Human Rights; Women's Institute; Women in Positive; Initiative for Parity; and the Secretariat for Women Independent Citizen Action.

In the coming days, the National Electoral Reform Commission is expected to address Article 373 of the Electoral Code, which corresponds to block four of electoral reforms.

This activity was conducted within the framework of the project Parliamentary Support: Strengthening Democratic Legislative Competencies.