anama
local long form: Republica de Panama
local short form: Panama

Data code: PM

Government type: constitutional democracy

Capital: Panama

Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (provincias, singular -
provincia) and 2 territories* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui,
Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Ngobe-Bugle*, Panama, San
Blas*, and Veraguas

Independence: 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from
Spain 28 November 1821)

National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1903)

Constitution: 11 October 1972; major reforms adopted April 1983 and in
1994

Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of
legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez (since 1
September 1999); First Vice President Arturo Ulises VALLARINO (since 1
September 1999); Second Vice President (Dominador) Kaiser Baldonero
BAZAN (since 1 September 1999); note - the president is both the chief
of state and head of government
head of government: President Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez (since 1
September 1999); First Vice President Arturo Ulises VALLARINO (since 1
September 1999); Second Vice President (Dominador) Kaiser Baldonero
BAZAN (since 1 September 1999); note - the president is both the chief
of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket by
popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 2 May 1999 (next
to be held NA May 2004)
election results: Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez elected president;
percent of vote - Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez (PA) 44%, Martin
TORRIJOS (PRD) 37%
note: government coalition - PRD, PLN, and Popular Nationalist Party

Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea
Legislativa (72 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held 2 May 1999 (next to be held May 2004)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRD
35, PA 18, PS 4, PDC 4, MOLIRENA 3, PRC 2, PLN 2, Democratic Change 2,
MORENA 1; note - one seat had yet to be decided
note: legislators from outlying rural districts are chosen on a
plurality basis while districts located in more populous towns and
cities elect multiple legislators b