Panama
Question | Value |
---|---|
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
In art. 230 there are two prohibitions: 1. Those coming from legal entities that do not exercise economic activities within the Republic of Panama. And 3. Donations or contributions from foreign governments, persons or organizations. Source
Código Electoral de la República Panamá Article 230: |
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
In art. 230 of the Electoral Code there are two prohibitions: 1. Those coming from legal entities that do not exercise economic activities within the Republic of Panama. And 3. Donations or contributions from foreign governments, persons or organizations. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 230: Unofficial English translation. |
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
There are two exceptions 1. when that, at the time of the donation, the companies were contractors of the State or concessionaires of public services (art 230. 5) and when legal person were convicted with an enforceable sentence, for crimes against public administration, illicit drug trafficking, illegal mining, illegal logging, human trafficking, money laundering or terrorism. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 230: Unofficial English translation. |
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
There are two exceptions 1. when that, at the time of the donation, the companies were contractors of the State or concessionaires of public services (art 230. 5) and when legal person were s convicted with an enforceable sentence, for crimes against public administration, illicit drug trafficking, illegal mining, illegal logging, human trafficking, money laundering or terrorism (art 230. 7). Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 230: Unofficial English translation. |
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
There are no provisions. |
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
There are no provisions. |
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Anonymous donations are forbidden. However, there is an exception on the Electoral Code "except for those originating from popular collections." Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 250: Article 230: Article 250: Unofficial English translation. |
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Anonymous donations are forbidden. However, there is an exception on the Electoral Code "except for those originating from popular collections." Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 250: Article 230: Article 250: Unofficial English translation. |
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
There are two provisions: Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Unofficial English translation. |
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
There are two provisions: those coming from companies in which the State is a shareholder and those coming from individuals or legal entities that directly or as part of an economic group, at the time of the donation are contractors of the State of public services and those coming from companies in which the State is a shareholder. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 230: Unofficial English translation. |
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Those coming from companies in which the State is a shareholder. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá |
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Those coming from companies in which the State is a shareholder. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 230: Unofficial English translation. |
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate? |
Code
Yes
Comment
There is a fine from USD500 to USD 3000 for those candidates who use public offices to support a candidate or a political party. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 573: |
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Comment
USD 100.000. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá
Unofficial English translation. |
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit? |
Code
Other (explain in comments in local currency)
Comment
USD 100.000. These amounts of money are calculated according to article 245 and 248 of the electoral code. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 245: |
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Comment
The Electoral Code refers to this donations when they are coming from a single source (See articles 245 and 248). Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 248: Unofficial English translation. |
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit? |
Code
Other (explain in comments in local currency)
Comment
USD 300.000 Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 248: Unofficial English translation. |
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Comment
The Electoral Code refers to this donations when they are coming from a single source (See articles 245 and 248) Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 248: Unofficial English translation. |
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit? |
Code
Other (explain in comments in local currency)
Comment
USD 300.000 Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Unofficial English translation. |
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign? |
Code
No
Comment
There is a limit on the amount that can be donated to candidates, but it is not mentioned that this limit applies to the candidates themselves. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 248: Unofficial English translation. |
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Regulations provide that the value of donations in the form of goods or services must be included in the donation limit value provided in article 232 of the Electoral Code. Below is a pricing matrix of some products and promotional supplies that are often the object of in-kind donations in Panama: Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá: Artículo 135: Article 232: Article 135: Unofficial English translation. |
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The regulations provide that the value of donations in the form of goods or services must be included in the donation limit value provided in article 248 of the Electoral Code. This applies to donations for financing a precandidate or candidate, whether they are running independently or as a member of a political party. Source
Boletín del Tribunal Electoral, 2023, decreto 25: Artículo 1. Donante. Para los efectos del artículo 248 del Código Electoral, se entiende por una sola fuente las contribuciones que hace un mismo donante, concibiendo como tal a la persona natural o jurídica privada que haga contribuciones, en efectivo o en especie, para financiar a un precandidato o candidato, ya sea por libre postulación o de un partido político, para ser utilizadas en el periodo de recolección de firmas de respaldo, en las elecciones internas partidarias o para la Elección General. Contributions or donations from private sources may be received in cash or in kind, provided that they do not exceed 3% of the spending ceiling for presidential candidates, and 25% for other positions. To apply this ceiling, the list of candidates will deduct what is financed with their own resources. Article 1. Donor. For the purposes of Article 248 of the Electoral Code, a single source is understood to mean contributions made by the same donor, considering the natural person or private legal entity that makes contributions, in cash or in kind, to finance a precandidate or candidate, whether they are running independently or as a member of a political party, to be used during the period of signature collection, in internal party elections, or for the General Election. Unofficial English translation. |
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities? |
Code
No
Comment
There are provisions that political parties are allowed to engage in commercial or business activities. They are empowered to own and manage movable and immovable property. Source
Código Electoral de la República Panamá Article 110: |
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
Regulations state that loans may be obtained by political parties. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 180: Unofficial English translation. |
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
The issue of loans is not addressed in the regulations regarding income for candidates. |
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes? |
Code
Yes
Comment
There are provisions that prohibit individuals or entities who are contractors or concessionaires of the State from making donations to political parties or candidates. Source
Código electoral de la República de Panamá Article 145. Prohibited Sources of Fundraising. Unofficial English translation. |
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The creation of a single account for the management of all resources intended for the financing of the electoral campaign is established. It applies to candidates that belong to constituencies with more than ten thousand (10,000) voters. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 232: Unofficial English translation. |
Question | Value |
---|---|
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties? |
Code
Yes, both regularly and in relation to campaigns
Comment
The State will provide 1% of the current revenues budgeted for the Central Government. It is stated in article 203 that the State will finance the primaries inside political parties and the general elections. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 204: Artículo 207: Artículo 208: Artículo 210: Artículo 214: Artículo 216:
Article 203: Article 204: Article 207: Article 208: Article 210: Article 214: Article 216: Unofficial English translation. |
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Comment
Pre-election financing: Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 207: Artículo 208: Artículo 210: Artículo 216: Article 205: Article 207: Article 208: Article 210: Article 216. How to calculate the distribution of the post-electoral financing: Unofficial English translation. |
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Equal
Proportional to votes received
Other
Comment
Pre-election financing: "Regarding the pre-electoral financing, it comprises 50% of the public financing. Of the total, 7% is assigned to the free nomination candidacies. Of the 7%, two thirds are for the three main candidates and the other third for other positions, in addition, what corresponds to each candidate is proportional to the amount of signatures obtained for their nomination. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 208: Artículo 210: Artículo 216: Article 207: Article 208: Article 210: Article 216. How to calculate the distribution of the post-electoral financing: Unofficial English translation. |
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)? |
Code
Comment
"Pre-election financing: Pre-electoral financing is to cover candidates' advertising and campaign expenses. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 210: Artículo 218: Article 208: Article 210: Article 218. Each political party shall be given a fixed equal contribution and a contribution based on votes, as explained below: Unofficial English translation. |
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Political parties have the right to discounted access to television and radio. There is a 20% of discount on the regular purchase rates published by each medium as of December 31 of the year prior to its application. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 266: Unofficial English translation. |
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Equal
Comment
The regulations states that all political parties use the media on equal terms. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 266: Article 253: Article 266: Unofficial English translation. |
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Candidates have the right to discounted access to television and radio. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 266: Unofficial English translation. |
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding? |
Code
Yes
Comment
There are several regulations that eliminate taxes on imports (propaganda items, office and technology equipment), management, activities and fundraising of political parties and candidates. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 109: Artículo 199: Artículo 200: Artículo 201: Artículo 202: Artículo 255: Article 108: Article 109: Article 199: Article 200: Article 201: Article 202: Article 255: Unofficial English translation. |
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
at least 20% of the public funding allocated to civic-political education, must be for the development of exclusive activities for the training of women. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 218: Unofficial English translation. |
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties? |
Code
No
|
Question | Value |
---|---|
38. Is there a ban on vote buying? |
Code
Yes
Comment
There is a ban on bribing or influencing/inducing voters to vote in a certain manner. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 525: Article 525: Unofficial English translation. |
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend? |
Code
Yes
Comment
There are regulations limiting the amounts that political parties can spend in relation to an election. In the case of private financing, they may not spend more than one third of the total amount of public financing corresponding to the party with the highest number of votes in the previous election. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 232: Unofficial English translation. |
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
Other
Comment
In the case of private financing, they may not spend more than one third of the total amount of public financing corresponding to the party with the highest number of votes in the previous election.
Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 232: Unofficial English translation. |
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend? |
Code
Yes
Comment
There are regulations limiting the amounts that an election candidate can spend in relation to an election. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 245: Artículo 246: Artículo 247: Article 244: Article 245: For the pre-campaign, all pre-candidates, whether of political parties or by free nomination, shall have as income and expense ceiling one third of the ceiling established for the campaign in the preceding Article; of which up to one third may be used for electoral propaganda. Article 246: The nominations for the office of President of the Republic by political parties or by free nomination may equal the expenditure of electoral propaganda with private funds to the amount that may be used by the political party that receives the most pre-electoral public financing. Article 247: When the election has to be repeated, the new ceiling shall be 50% of the previous ceiling, and the period for the application of the ceilings shall be that of the campaign foreseen for the new election. Unofficial English translation. |
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
Other (explain in comments in local currency)
Comment
The limit is different for different positions. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 245: Artículo 246: Artículo 247: Article 244.: Article 245. For the pre-campaign, all pre-candidates, whether of political parties or by free nomination, shall have as income and expense ceiling one third of the ceiling established for the campaign in the preceding Article; of which up to one third may be used for electoral propaganda. Article 246. The nominations for the office of President of the Republic by political parties or by free nomination may equal the expenditure of electoral propaganda with private funds to the amount that may be used by the political party that receives the most pre-electoral public financing. Article 247. When the election has to be repeated, the new ceiling shall be 50% of the previous ceiling, and the period for the application of the ceilings shall be that of the campaign foreseen for the new election. Unofficial English translation. |
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities? |
Code
Yes, third parties banned from campaign spending
Comment
There is a provision banning third parties from spending on election advertising. Source
Cödigo Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 271: Unofficial English translation. |
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
Yes, for candidates
Comment
Article 231 addresses the expenses related to electoral propaganda. Article 260 describes the different media political parties might use to spread electoral propaganda. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 231: Artículo 244: Artículo 245: Article 260: Article 231: Article 244: Article 245: Unofficial English translation. |
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
Yes, for candidates
Comment
According to article 260 and 262 of the Electoral Code, online media are means of disseminating propaganda. And propaganda is part of the electoral activities limited in spending by article 244 and 245. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 262: Artículo 231: Artículo 244: Artículo 245: Article 260: Article 262: Article 231: Article 244: Article 245. For the pre-campaign, all pre-candidates, whether of political parties or by free nomination, shall have as income and expense ceiling one third of the ceiling established for the campaign in the preceding Article; of which up to one third may be used for electoral propaganda. Unofficial English translation. |
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Electoral propaganda might be suspended or removed when this propaganda was placed during electoral ban; or by order the National Dircetorate of Electoral Organizations or the Center for Digital Monitoring. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 264: Unofficial English translation |
Question | Value |
---|---|
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Political parties must provide financial information. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá
|
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Political parties must provide certain financial information in relation to an election campaign. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá El Decreto 29 de 2022 del Tribunal Electoral establece periodos para que los partidos políticos presenten los informes de los gastos incurridos en la campaña electoral. Article 235: Decree 29 of 2022 of the Electoral Tribunal establishes periods for political parties to submit reports on the expenses incurred in the electoral campaign. Unofficial English translation. |
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Candidates must provide all information on financing received and used for the electoral campaign. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 241: Article 240: Article 241: Unofficial English translation. |
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances? |
Code
Third parties are banned from participating in campaigns
Comment
There is a provision banning third parties from spending on election. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 271: Unofficial English translation. |
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public? |
Code
Yes
Comment
It is indicated that all information submitted is made public. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 111: Article 242: Unofficial English translation. |
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors? |
Code
Yes
Comment
There is a requirement for candidates to report on the identity of the persons or entities that have provided donations or contributions. Source
Boletín del Tribunal Electoral, 2022, decreto 29: Article 130: Unofficial English translation |
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Regulations state that candidates in their financial reports must specify detailed information about their income. Source
Boletín del Tribunal Electoral, 2022, decreto 29 Article 130: Unofficial English translation. |
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Regulations state that political parties and/or candidates must include itemized information on spending. Source
Boletín del Tribunal Electoral, 2022, decreto 29 Article 130: Unofficial English translation. |
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates? |
Code
EMB
Comment
They must be presented to a specialized department of the Electoral Tribunal, the "Dirección de Fiscalización del Financiamiento." Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Article 242: Unofficial English translation. |
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
EMB
Comment
The institution in charge of reviewing the reports is the Electoral Tribunal, and the electoral administrative prosecutors have jurisdiction to investigate possible violations. Source
Boletín del Tribunal Electoral, 2022, decreto 29 Artículo 137: Article 136: Article 137: Unofficial English translation. |
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Impose sanctions
Carry out investigation
Refer for investigation
Request additional information from others
Request additional information from potential violator
Comment
The Electoral Tribunal can impose fines, carry out investigations, request additional information and refer for investigation. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 238: Artículo 239: Artículo 556: Artículo 557: Artículo 558: Artículo 559: Artículo 566: Artículo 621: Artículo 610: Artículo 717: Artículo 718: Constitución Política de la República de Panamá:
Article 139: Article 238: Article 239: Article 556: Article 557: Article 558: Article 559: Article 566: Article 621: Article 610: Article 717: Article 718: Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama: Unofficial English translation. |
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions? |
Code
Comment
"Prision, suspension of political rights and fines. Source
Código Electoral de la República de Panamá Artículo 556: Artículo 557: Artículo 558: Artículo 559: Artículo 560: Artículo 561: Artículo 563: Artículo 566: Artículo 567: Artículo 568: Artículo 569: Artículo 570: Article 526: Article 556: Article 557: Article 558: Article 559: Article 560: Article 561: Article 563: Article 566: Article 567: Article 568: Article 569: Article 570: Unofficial English translation. |