Panama Opens Ombudsman Candidate Applications

The National Assembly of Panama has opened the call for citizens interested in running for the position of Ombudsman for the 2026-2031 term. Applicants must submit the corresponding documentation to the Government, Justice, and Constitutional Affairs Commission. Candidates must meet the requirements established in Article 130 of the Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama. Among the required documents are the original birth certificate, issued by the Electoral Tribunal, with the corresponding stamps, and an authenticated copy of the personal identity card. They must also provide a certification from the Electoral Tribunal stating that the candidate is in full exercise of their civil and political rights, as well as the Certificate of Criminal Record Information and a resume. Additionally, a personal notarial declaration under oath is required, stating that the candidate is not subject to the limitations established in Article 130 of the Constitution or in numbers 4 and 6 of Article 7 of Law 504 of December 18, 2025. Applications will be received on March 18, 19, and 20, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Commission's headquarters, located on the sixth floor of the main building of the National Assembly. Applicants must also submit a letter of nomination from the candidate, with a minimum of one page, size 8 1/2 x 11, double-spaced, containing the arguments for why they should be chosen. Interested persons may obtain a copy of the Election Regulation at the Commission's offices.