In Panama, 27 candidates are vying for the position of Supreme Electoral Court magistrate, which will be vacated by Alfredo Juncá in 2026. A significant number of candidates come from the public sector, suggesting a political dimension to the race. The National Assembly is rushing to appoint a new magistrate before the end of April, leaving a tight timeline for the selection process. Among the frontrunners are Jaime Barroso, for his closeness to the Panameñista Party and the Assembly President; Alfredo Juncá, with his experience in the role; and Maritza Cedeño Vásquez, president of the National College of Lawyers, who has maintained institutional ties with the Executive. President José Raúl Mulino recently honored Cedeño, bolstering her position.
