Unachi rector candidates sign ethical pact ahead of elections

Ten candidates vying for the rectorate of Panama's Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi) have signed an ethical pact, committing to a campaign based on transparency, institutional respect, probity, and academic excellence. The signing ceremony took place during a meeting led by Education Minister Lucy Molinar and Sheila Castillo de Arias, director of the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (Antai).

Minister Molinar emphasized that the commitment aims to lay the groundwork for rebuilding confidence in the institution. "They have signed an ethical pact in which they commit to probity, transparency, academic excellence, institutional respect, and management with social sensitivity," she stated, noting the university is facing what may be its most challenging period.

Antai Director Castillo de Arias called for clear rules governing the electoral process and for all aspirants to respect the outcome. "We have asked for an ethical, transparent election, so that all candidates here feel satisfied that whoever wins will carry the benefit to Unachi in a big way," she said.

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They have signed an ethical pact in which they commit to probity, transparency, academic excellence, institutional respect, and management with social sensitivity, but as a common denominator to respect for the institution that is going through, probably, we hope, the worst moment in its history and that will go down in history.

The acting rector, Pedro González Beerman, mentioned that the Ministry of Education will provide support for the university's development in the coming months. He also proposed creating a technical committee to analyze necessary institutional changes, an initiative he urged the Ministry of Education to promote.

During the event, administrative authorities and student representatives also requested assurances of necessary resources for the university's functioning and the continuity of its educational processes. This plea aims to secure the funds required to serve Unachi's more than 22,000 students.

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We have asked for an ethical, transparent election, so that all candidates here feel satisfied that whoever wins will carry the benefit to Unachi in a big way.