Politics
Republic of Panama
Capital: Panama City
Government Type: Constitutional Democracy National Holiday: Independence Day, November 3, 1903 Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Diplomatic Representation in the U.S.: Ambassador Mario Ernesto Jaramillo Castillo 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008 Consolates: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa Diplomatic Representation from the U.S.: Ambassador Phyllis M. Powers Edificio 783, Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas Panama, Apartado Postal 0816-02561, Zona 5, Panama City Consolates: Auckland Representative to the UN: Pablo Antonio Thalassinos National Symbol: Harpy Eagle |
Symbolism of flag: The blue and red colors are those of the main political parties (Conservatives and Liberals respectively) and the white denotes peace between them; the blue star stands for the civic virtues of purity and honesty, the red star signifies authority and law.
|
Executive Branch: President and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms (president not eligible for immediate reelection and must sit out two additional terms (10 years) before becoming eligible for reelection). Cabinet is appointed by president.
Legislative Branch: Unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (71 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms). Judicial Branch: Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine judges appointed for staggered 10-year terms); five superior courts; three courts of appeal. |