Vamos political movement faces scrutiny over party registration

The political movement Vamos is facing scrutiny regarding its process for registering as a formal political party in Panama. The group submitted approximately 70,000 signatures, a move that leaders claim fulfills the requirements for immediate recognition as a political party.

However, critics and political figures, including former Panameñista party president José Blandón Figueroa, have questioned the legality of this approach. Blandón suggested that the movement may be attempting to bypass the standard procedure, which requires first being recognized as a party in formation with a smaller number of registered members before proceeding to full party status.

Under current electoral laws, establishing a political party requires more than 45,500 signatures. If proposed reforms to the electoral code are implemented, increasing the requirement to 3% of the electorate, the necessary number of signatures would rise to over 68,000. The controversy centers on whether Vamos is following the correct sequence of registration steps mandated by the Electoral Code.