Suchergebnisse

As in other countries in the region, political representation is in crisis in Panama. This article argues that part of the phenomenon is a result of representatives' lack of qualifications. Based on arguments by James Madison & Richard Katz, the reduced size of Panama's electoral districts may explain, at least partially, this lack of qualifications. A comparison between Assembly members elected in 1945 & 1999 concludes that in 1945, provincial electoral districts & one national constituency contributed to return more qualified representatives than in 1999, when legislators were elected in municipal & sub-municipal constituencies, as prescribed by the constitution currently in force. 2 Tables, 41 References. Adapted from the source document.

Political representation and representative assemblies -- The party system: parties and actors in Panama's assembly -- Formal institutional incentives to behavior -- Informal institutions and assembly members' behavior -- Political advancement through reelection: prospects and possibilities in Panama -- Political advancement through reelection: the legal and illegal uses of patronage -- Political advancement through reelection: party switching and electoral manipulation -- Personal enrichment through legal means: assembly members' wages in comparative perspective -- Personal enrichment through legal means: expanding emoluments and privileges -- Personal enrichment through illegal means -- Preserving immunity through reelection