AMERICA/PANAMA - Catholic Church begins formation for observers, to guarantee authenticity of elections

Panama City (Agenzia Fides) – The Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Church has begun its process of formation for observers working in the general elections scheduled for May 3. The first day was held in Meteti, in the Apostolic Vicariate of Darien, on March 7.
Clarisa Martinez, member of the team that is carrying out this task, mentioned that it is an effort to full equip observers, so that on Election Day, they can carry out the task entrusted to them by the Bishops, in their Pastoral Letter, in which they mentioned the need to “be attentive and vigilant in the electoral process, and through the observers, who will help us to have a prompt release of the results of the vote and how voters have behaved” (see Fides 12/1/2009). Therefor, the Electoral Tribunal of Panama has signed an agreement on electoral observation with the Justice and Peace Commission, with the goal of reaffirming their desire for authenticity in the elections.
Martinez also mentioned that the course “covers various themes, first of all encouraging people to assume their duties as citizen and be cautious in the electoral process, not simply casting their vote on Election Day. They should be attentive to see that the process is carried out in authenticity and without violence. There is also the technical part, how the voting process should be carried out...the function of authorities, the electoral fraud, etc.”
Some 1500 observers are expected to take part on a national level. In order to be an observer, the candidate must not belong to any political party, be active in a parish, and be willing and ready to participate on May 3. The formation course will be given in all the dioceses throughout the nation.
A total of 2.2 million Panamanians will be eligible to vote in the elections this May, in which the Presidential candidates (for the term 2009-2013) are expected to be: Ricardo Martinelli, Balbina Herrera, and former President Guillermo Endara (1989-1994). (RG) (Agenzia Fides 25/3/2009)