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Political Structure
Panama is a representative democracy with three branches of government: Executive and Legislative branches elected by direct vote every five years, and an independent Judiciary appointed by the Executive, with the consent of the Legislature.
The President has broad powers under Panama's Constitution, but must work with a 78 member unicameral Legislative Assembly. The Executive and Legislative branches work in harmonious coordination and both play an important role in shaping political, economic and social initiatives. There is no Presidential re-election.
Political elections are governed by an independent electoral tribunal, made up of three judges, appointed for overlapping periods of ten years.
Since 1989, Panama has passed through a successful democratic process that has been validated by two national referendum and three national elections.
Panama's Constitution forbids the creation of a national armed force or military. The police force falls under civil control.
