The rector of the University of Panama, Dr. Eduardo Flores Castro, made a sworn notarial declaration stating that he will not run for re-election or accept any position of authority within the country's main higher education institution. In this sworn statement, he declared that he will not be a candidate for the position of Rector of the University of Panama for the 2026-2031 period, nor will he accept it in subsequent electoral processes. Flores Castro also noted that upon completion of the term for which he was elected by the university community, he will not accept any position of authority in the institution where he has worked uninterruptedly for more than 43 years. This stance has been reiterated by the rector on several occasions, who has publicly stated his decision not to continue in the position. The rector's declaration was signed on January 13 before the public notary of the twelfth circuit of Panama. Regarding this initiative, Deputy Jorge Bloise, president of the Education Commission, indicated that the different blocs are analyzing the possibility of allowing re-election for an additional period as a consensus proposal. “I will finish on September 30, 2026, ten years as rector of the university, and that is enough,” he stated. Currently, bill 83, which regulates the re-election of the rector and other authorities in the country's public universities, is in its second debate in the National Assembly of Deputies.
