The University of Panama administration has scheduled a November 24 "plebiscite" --- two days before the end of classes, on 10 days' notice --- for students, faculty and administrators to vote "yes" or "no" on proposed legislation that would increase the administration's powers and term in office. The vote is non-binding, because any such changes in the law under which the university operates must be made by the national government. Supporters of the administration have placed these banners near all the university entrances, while the main faculty union has posted leaflets on some department bulletin boards urging a "no" vote. The student groups, which have spent most of their energy and resources on the November 17 student elections, are nearly silent in the debate. The proposed new law is long and has not been widely distributed, and rather than urging the merits of its specific proposals, the administration and its supporters have called the proposal "modernization" and hope to get a favorable vote in what appears likely to be a very low turnout election.
