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Panamanians abroad look to future with new voting rights

by MODIPA

In response to voting rights recently acquired by Panamanians living abroad, many who've emigrated are seizing the opportunity to make an integral difference in their birth country.

A large number of native Panamanians, as well as their US-born sons and daughters, assembled at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York, on April 14 for an all-day think tank to address the importance of this new voting law, which was finalized on March 22, 2007.

Spearheaded by a group of US-based Panamanians called the Movimiento Democrático Independiente Panameño (Panamanian Independent Democratic Movement) the organization (not a political party) stresses the importance of participating in the 2009 election and developing a strong agenda to give voice to their voting bloc.

“I can see us influencing debate around certain issues, and even obtaining commitment from the politicians for our votes,” said Paul Martin, a longtime community activist based in Brooklyn.

MODIPA will span those states with a large Panamanian concentration, including New York, Florida, Texas, and California.

In order to vote in Panama’s elections, one must have a cedula (a Panamanian government-issued national ID card, available to eligible individuals at least 18 years of age). Voting will be done by absentee ballot, which will have to be notarized. The particulars of this process, including how to register to vote, are available online at http://www.tribunal-electoral.gob.pa.

"Sons and daughters of Panamanians who were born in the United States need to take advantage of their constitutionally accepted Panamanian citizenship," said Dr. Carlos Russell, a well-known activist and former Panamanian ambassador to the United Nations and the Organization of American States.

MODIPA's declaration states a "belief in the concept of social justice as the cortex of the Panamanian nation." MODIPA’s ideals for an improved Panama include social, economic, and political equality and guaranteed health, education, employment, and housing.

"It's the responsibility of this group to keep our folks clear as to who stands for what and where they're coming from," said Russell. "Whoever wants our vote has to acquiesce to the agenda that we are promoting. We're coming from a position of strength, not a position of weakness."

MODIPA's platform will concentrate on solving the historical marginalization of Panama's "popular classes": those in the lower economic levels, as well as indigenous groups and other people of color.

"The platform will deal with one of the biggest issues that affected my great-grand father...and my children to come," said Ricardo Millet, an entrepreneur based in Chicago, Illinois. "The way privileges and access to wealth and jobs get distributed is in part a function of race. We need to change something systemic."

A planning committee was established at this meeting to start the process of raising awareness of MODIPA, creating a solid platform, and building alliances with like-minded groups in Panama. The interim MODIPA board includes chairperson Carlos Russell; deputy chairperson Vilma Armstrong; treasurer Paul Martin; secretary Cynthia Small; and assistant secretary Silvia Lavalas. Several members at-large were assigned, as well as committee representatives for the platform, fundraising, recruitment, and voter registration committees. The final platform will be ratified in November at MODIPA’s convention.

Wisconsin National Guard builds classrooms in Bocas
Panamanians organize absentee voting from USA
Girl Scouts' walk against hunger
English-language seminars about RP labor law in Bocas
Tuesday talk on Panama's bookselling business