What type of government is in power in Panama?
Panama is a democratic presidential republic. The president serves as both head of state and head of government, and is elected by universal suffrage for a non-renewable 5-year term.
Panamanian Political System
Panama has operated under a democratic presidential republic system since 1989. The president holds executive power and leads both the state and the government.
Functioning of Institutions
- Executive Power: exercised by the President of the Republic, elected by direct universal suffrage for 5 years
- Legislative Power: held by the National Assembly (71 deputies)
- Judicial Power: independent, headed by the Supreme Court of Justice
The Panamanian electoral system prohibits the immediate re-election of the president, who may only seek a new term after observing a pause of at least two terms.
Key Points
This presidential republic is distinguished by a clear separation of powers and a stable democratic system since the end of military dictatorship in 1989.