Panama rejects Ortega's election remarks, reaffirms support for democracy in Nicaragua

Panama's government has strongly rejected statements attributed to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, who suggested that elections might cease in his country. Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Tuesday emphasizing its unwavering commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the respect for popular will.

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the Republic of Panama expresses its firm rejection of the statements made public by President Daniel Ortega concerning that there will be no more elections in Nicaragua.

The ministry stated that "the Republic of Panama expresses its firm rejection of the statements made public by President Daniel Ortega concerning that there will be no more elections in Nicaragua." It highlighted that voting is the primary way citizens express their will and warned of the consequences of eliminating this right. "The vote constitutes the main mechanism through which citizens freely express their will. Suppressing this fundamental right represents a strong affront to the principles, values, and rights that sustain our societies."

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The vote constitutes the main mechanism through which citizens freely express their will. Suppressing this fundamental right represents a strong affront to the principles, values, and rights that sustain our societies.

Panama reiterated its support for the democratic system and respect for fundamental guarantees, stating, "Panama reaffirms its commitment to democracy, respect for the constitutional order, fundamental freedoms, political pluralism, and the sovereign decision of the peoples." The statement also stressed that democratic legitimacy depends on free and transparent electoral processes. "Respect for popular will, expressed through free, periodic, transparent, and competitive elections, is an essential condition for the existence of democracy."

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Panama reaffirms its commitment to democracy, respect for the constitutional order, fundamental freedoms, political pluralism, and the sovereign decision of the peoples.

In response to Ortega's remarks, Panama has summoned its ambassador to Nicaragua for consultations in Panama City. This diplomatic measure underscores Panama's official stance on the Nicaraguan president's recent declarations. Panama urged the preservation of political rights and the necessary conditions for citizen participation, calling to "respect civil and political rights, preserve the electoral path, and guarantee the necessary conditions for all voices to participate freely in the country's public life."

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Respect for popular will, expressed through free, periodic, transparent, and competitive elections, is an essential condition for the existence of democracy.