Panama City/Prensa Latina
In response to the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ), the Electoral Tribunal (TE) of Panama today ratified the presidential candidacy of José Raúl Mulino (Realizing Goals and Alliance), in the midst of a debate on its constitutionality.
In the statement sent to Judge Olmedo Arrocha, rapporteur of the lawsuit, it is noted that the plenary session of the TE agreed to appoint Mulino, who was running as vice president of the formula, as a replacement for the candidate for the presidential chair, former governor Ricardo Martinelli (2009- 2014) previously disqualified for being sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.
“The decision to enable José Raúl Mulino as a candidate for president of the Republic, representing the Realizing Goals (RM) and Alianza parties, was a decision of the Plenary of the Electoral Court, taken by Plenary Agreement 11-1 of 4 March 2024…”, specifies that text.
On April 23, Arrocha requested from the TE an authenticated copy of the forms that supported the nominations of the candidates for president and vice president for RM and Alianza.
He also requested a copy of the documents on which the TE relied to qualify him as a presidential candidate and, finally, he asked if there was any effort for the two parties to designate him as a candidate or if it was a unilateral decision.
The note with the responses, sent this Friday, is signed by the TE magistrates Alfredo Juncá (president); Eduardo Valdés and Luis Guerra, Prensa Latina confirmed.
In addition, they sent authenticated copies of the documents that supported the candidate’s nominations for president and vice president.
In accordance with the decision of the TE, which reiterates article 362 of the Electoral Code – regulated by article 91 of decree 29 of 2022 – it is established that when a main candidate loses his status as a candidate, for any reason, his substitute will take his place. .
The day before, Arrocha told the media in an unusual appearance that he was waiting for a response from the TE to begin writing a draft ruling.
“As soon as we receive a response to said communication, we will be able to finalize the complete draft of the draft decision that we will circulate simultaneously to the rest of the magistrates,” he indicated.
Arrocha explained that the period for receiving arguments has ended (71 in favor of constitutionality and 17 against) and now he has 10 business days to prepare a proposed sentence, a period that began on April 22 and ends on April 6. May, one day after the elections.
He adds that his project will then be circulated among all the magistrates and even, if there are at least two observations on the project, the analysis process will begin another 10 days.
Judge Olmedo stressed that it is necessary to know and understand what the Constitution and the law are to adopt the best decision for the country, which requires a deep, calm analysis and reflection.
#Court #ratifies #controversial #presidential #candidacy #Panama
