Panama: Towards better governance of the Ngäbe Buglé region

The workshop, part of the Parliamentary Support Project financed by the European Union delegation in Panama, brought together indigenous authorities at the highest level: the Cacica General, the president of the General Congress, the three regional Caciques, local Caciques and Mayors. Also participating for the government were the Vice-Minister of Indigenous Affairs and the Regional Governor. The participation of indigenous women leaders was ensured. From an intercultural perspective, each participant chose the language in which to express themselves (Spanish, Ngöbe or Buglé).

During the meeting, key aspects for the governance and effective implementation of Law 10, the founding law of the comarca, were analyzed. In this context, Congressman Roberto Archibold emphasized the importance of unity and the exchange of knowledge: “It is time that as one people we are, together we exchange knowledge and experience with respect to Law 10”.

During the session, the leaders and authorities present shared their experiences and knowledge on the application of the law over these 28 years, with the aim of identifying strategies to promote a better and more efficient governance that allows an effective dialogue with the central State and with greater impact on the integral development of the comarca.

This dialogue in the comarca territory is part of a process for the development of proposals in favor of governance and citizen participation, which will be delivered to the offices of the indigenous peoples' commission of the National Assembly; the authorities of the comarca; and public bodies such as the Electoral Tribunal. Therefore, this dialogue will be followed by technical tables between experts, government officials and deputies and their offices.

Alicia del Águila, representative of International IDEA Panama program, addressed the participation in the election of authorities within the comarca, proposing aspects for improvement. Likewise, a space was dedicated to discuss the issue of parity in the Ngäbe Buglé Comarca, recognizing the need to move towards a more equitable and violence-free representation.

What is Law 10?

Law 10 of 1997 created the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca, delimiting its territory and recognizing the collective ownership of its lands. This legislation establishes a regime of government and administration for the Comarca, allowing its traditional authorities to exercise functions within the legal framework, seeking to protect their identity, autonomy and development.