Panameñista Party internal statutes violated

President Varela looks set to end the heritage bestowed by party founder Arnulfo Arias Madrid on the political organization he created. The president has concentrated decision-making within his close entourage, focusing on fostering the economic interests of his campaign donors rather than running the country for the people. At the head of this entourage, is principal campaign contributor and local multi-millionaire businessman, Stanley Motta.  The president has chosen to run the party from the very exclusive inner court of his closest collaborators. Upon being elected, President Varela designated close friend and campaign donor Ramon Fonseca Mora as a ministerial counsel, as well as acting part in president. Mr. Fonseca Mora has since left his position in the wake of an international money-laundering scandal affecting his law firm. For his part, Alberto Vallarino, the second vice president of the party, has been absent figure.  According to party statutes, the latter should have taken the reins of the party.  However, it is Carlos Duboy, Metas Secretary, who has assumed this role. This has been contested by a number of party members, who expressed their dissent at the prospect of internal primary elections, in which the president’s own brother, Jose Luis “Popi” Varela, aims to become the new party president. The dissident group made representations to the electoral tribunal three weeks ago.  To date, the tribunal has returned no verdict. The increasing power of the Varela family within the party has also seen them promote their family business internationally. Last September, President Varela took his own brother and general manager of the family company, Luis “Fulo” Varela, on an official trip to Cuba, so that the latter could establish high-level contacts in the island market.