Panama's Electoral System: Dispute Over Proportional Representation

Salvador Sánchez, a constitutional expert in electoral law, stated that throughout this century, the system for allocating deputy seats through the remainder method has been used and has undergone major modifications. According to politicians and public figures, the dilemma lies in choosing between proportionality from the perspective of political parties and closed lists of independent candidates, or the right to choose the best. Alain Cedeño of 'Realizando Metas (RM)' supported the system, which he considers the most democratic. Sánchez explained that the controversy surrounding this formula is that when addressing the remainder, it is thought of as a personal victory for a candidate, which was not the original intention. This issue will once again be brought to the Electoral Reforms Commission (CNRE) for discussion starting January 7. He gave the example that if Juan Diego Vásquez had run on a closed list in 2019, he would most likely have 'pulled' in other candidates who are not necessarily the ones voters want. He added that a formula like this does not reflect the voter's intention. Sánchez clarified that while Panama's allocation system is mixed, as single-member districts are chosen by simple majority, the reality is that they are two parallel methods that do not cross, as they do in other countries. However, after Sánchez's presentation, magistrate Luis Guerra wondered on Thursday whether Article 147 of the Constitution, regarding the principle of proportional representation, is in favor of political parties or minorities. The so-called Hare quota is used to elect deputies in districts where more than one is chosen. The formula for allocating seats in multi-member districts will turn 100 in 2025, and despite the criticism it has received, it continues to be used with few changes.