International IDEA launches a roadmap for a project on governance and citizen participation in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé

The meeting was attended by Itziar González, General Coordinator of Spanish Cooperation in Panama (AECID); Vanessa Ortiz, Head of Multisectoral Projects with a Focus on Gender and Indigenous Peoples; Magda Ceballos, Head of the Department of Political Parties at the Electoral Tribunal of Panama; Serma Bekker, a regional leader, former chair of the electoral commission for the election of traditional authorities, and a recognized advocate for gender parity; and Jairo Sam, Advisor to the Office of Representative Roberto Archibold, Chair of the National Assembly’s Indigenous Affairs Committee.

Representing International IDEA were Alicia del Águila, Panama Programme Manager; Luis Consuegra, Resource Mobilization and Strategic Alliances Officer; and Susana Araúz, Project Associate.

This project aims to strengthen democratic governance by enhancing the capacity of local authorities and fostering regulatory advancements in the areas of elections and territorial management. It also seeks to promote greater participation among Indigenous citizens in the region, with a special focus on women, young seasonal migrants, and residents of the most remote or least-connected areas.

Alicia del Águila, Panama Programme Manager, presented the project’s main components and a more detailed schedule for the first four months. She announced that an initial meeting between community leaders will take place in late May in Chiriquí Grande, Province of Bocas del Toro. At the same time, research will begin on young temporary migrants and the barriers they face in accessing their right to vote. In July, a meeting on gender parity will take place in San Félix, in the province of Chiriquí.

It was agreed to maintain open communication and to inform AECID of initiatives in advance. It was also decided that the committee’s next meeting will be held in October. Additionally, the suggestion to notify the Cacica General—the highest traditional authority in the Comarca—of these activities was endorsed.