Panama: IDEA International delivers governance proposals in the Ngöbe Buglé region
These proposals, designed to respond to the specific needs of this indigenous territory, are the result of an exhaustive process lasting several months. The recommendations were formulated following an exchange of knowledge at technical roundtables and participatory workshops held in the comarca itself, in an initiative co-organized with the office of the Honorable Deputy Roberto Archibold, current president of the commission. The final report is the product of teamwork between the office of Deputy Archibold, experts and leaders from the comarca, and International IDEA. We highlight the participation of the highest official and traditional authorities (including the general Cacica), as well as recognized leaders from the community itself.
Among the most notable recommendations are:
- Measures to optimize voter turnout, including the implementation of early voting for temporary indigenous migrants.
- Put into operation the High-Level Commission, established in Article 46 of Law 10 of 1997.
- Mechanism for formulating the national budget for the comarca in close coordination with its formal and traditional authorities.
“This process began with Representative Archibold's request to identify gaps that needed to be addressed for the proper implementation of Law 10 of 1997,” said Alicia Del Águila.
For his part, Representative Roberto Archibold highlighted the importance of the work:
“The technical contribution of International IDEA provides us with a fundamental tool for legislative work and the formulation of public policies that respond to the real needs of our region.”
During his participation in the National Assembly, Javier Pérez, representing the Delegation of the European Union in Panama, expressed his gratitude to the Indigenous Affairs Commission.
Pérez highlighted the Commission's fundamental role in promoting dialogue, inclusion, and democratic progress in Panama, reaffirming the European Union's commitment to promoting democracy, respect for human rights, and defending minority participation.
This initiative is part of the Parliamentary Support Project, which is funded by the European Union Delegation in Panama, along with the office of the Honorable Deputy Roberto Archibold.
About the authors
