José Emilio Moreno Ramos Proclaimed Rector of the University of Panama for 2026-2031 Term

The University of Panama has officially concluded its electoral process, proclaiming Dr. José Emilio Moreno Ramos as its elected rector for the 2026-2031 term. The University Electoral Body (OEU) formalized the final results of the elections held on July 1. This proclamation followed the submission of the final report by the Central Scrutiny Board, marking the culmination of a democratic process that included participation from faculty, students, and administrative staff. The OEU previously decided not to admit an appeal seeking to nullify the rectoral election. The electoral body determined that the challenge, filed by lawyer Jonathan Brown Racine on behalf of professor Manuel Óscar Lasso Ramos, did not meet the established requirements of the General University Electoral Regulations. The OEU concluded that the appeal failed to individually describe the alleged irregularities or explain how they constituted violations, leading to its dismissal. With this decision, the OEU proceeded with the official proclamation of Moreno Ramos, reinforcing the institution's commitment to transparency, democratic participation, and the strengthening of university autonomy.