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Panama GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Government: Executive--under provisions of 1972
Constitution, as amended in 1978 and 1983, chief executive is
president of the republic, assisted by two vice presidents, all
elected by popular vote for five-year terms. In late 1980s, de
facto executive authority remained, however, in hands of commander
of Panama Defense Forces (Fuerzas de Defensa de Panamá--FDP).
Legislature--sixty-seven-member unicameral Legislative Assembly
created in 1983; members popularly elected for five-year terms that
run concurrently with presidential term. Judiciary--Highest court
is Supreme Court made up of nine members and nine alternates who
serve ten-year terms after nomination by the executive branch and
ratification by Legislative Assembly. Supreme Court divided into
three chambers for civil, penal, and administrative cases. Lower
courts include superior tribunals, circuit courts, municipal
courts, and night courts. Public Ministry, headed by attorney
general, acts as state representative within judiciary.
Politics: Political culture traditionally characterized
by personalism (personalismo), the tendency to give one's
political loyalties to an individual rather than to a party or
ideology. Politics from 1968 coup until his death in 1981 dominated
by General Omar Torrijos Herrera, formally head of government from
1968 to 1978 and thereafter de facto head of government while
commander of the National Guard. Torrijos's influence continued
after his death, as both military and civilian leaders sought to
lay claim to his political and social heritage. Proliferation of
parties after 1980, when political system opened up again. Most
activity divided into two main coalitions: pro-government and
opposition. Pro-government coalition headed by party created by
Torrijos: Democratic Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario
Democrático--PRD). Nation's principal opposition party was
Authentic Panameñista Party (Partido Panameñista Auténtico--PPA)
led by veteran politician Arnulfo Arias Madrid. Political crisis
over lack of democratization and scandals associated with the FDP
commander, General Manuel Antonio Noriega Morena, began in June
1987 and escalated throughout the year and into 1988. Opposition
forces remained fragmented, but popular protests were orchestrated
by the National Civic Crusade (Crusada Civilista Nacional--CCN), a
coalition of civic, business, and professional forces.
International Relations: Traditionally dominated by
bilateral relations with United States; special relationship
created by 1977 Panama Canal treaties continued to be most
important aspect of foreign relations in late 1980s. Relations very
strained and troubled, however, in late 1987 because of United
States concerns over the lack of democratization and serious
allegations of involvement of the FDP commander in drug trafficking
and money laundering. Following negotiation of Panama Canal
treaties, Panama has given more attention to other commercial and
trade relations and especially to the Central American peace
process.
International Agreements and Membership: The country is
party to Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Rio
Treaty) and Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin
America (Tlatelolco Treaty) and is bound by provisions of Panama
Canal treaties. Also a member of Organization of American States,
United Nations and its specialized agencies, World Bank,
International Monetary Fund, and Inter-American Development Bank,
as well as an active member of the Nonaligned Movement.
Data as of December 1987
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