University of Panama: Election of José Emilio Moreno as rector challenged; proclamation suspended

The official proclamation of José Emilio Moreno as the new rector of the University of Panama has been put on hold pending a review of a nullity appeal filed against the election results. The appeal was submitted to the University Electoral Body by lawyer Jonathan Brown, who outlined five points to support his request for nullification.

“

The technological part was the way to have access to each of the votes that were cast in different zones or places in the country, and the technology department did not maintain a sequence.

Brown's challenge raises concerns about students allegedly being prevented from voting, polling stations reportedly closing before the scheduled time, and perceived irregularities in the vote tabulation process. He specifically questioned the technological aspects of the vote count, asserting that the data did not align with the actual progress of the tally. "The technological part was the way to have access to each of the votes that were cast in different zones or places in the country, and the technology department did not maintain a sequence," Brown stated.

“

We were able to realize through the team that was carrying out the count, and the number of polling stations counted was not congruent. On the first day, they spoke of 20% when it was 200 stations, which is a total incongruity.

He further elaborated that his team monitoring the count detected these inconsistencies. "We were able to realize through the team that was carrying out the count, and the number of polling stations counted was not congruent. On the first day, they spoke of 20% when it was 200 stations, which is a total incongruity," he expressed. Brown also criticized the preliminary results announcements, noting, "Victories of 60% were announced when only 20% of the polling stations had been counted." He believes the discrepancy involves more than just a few hundred votes.

“

Victories of 60% were announced when only 20% of the polling stations had been counted.

Rufino Fernández, president of the University Electoral Body, explained that the regulations prohibit proclaiming the elected candidate while an appeal is pending. "Until the nullity is resolved, we cannot make the proclamation," he said. Fernández mentioned that he had not yet personally reviewed the appeal but confirmed it had been sent to legal counsel for analysis. He indicated that the body might convene on Monday to evaluate the resource and make a decision. "We will meet as soon as possible to address this appeal and will provide a response very soon," Fernández stated. He also confirmed that this is the only appeal filed against the rector election to date.

“

Until the nullity is resolved, we cannot make the proclamation.