Gender Quota in Panama: Progress in Women’s Political Representation

The modification of the Panamanian Electoral Code effected in the year 2007 represents a significant effort in favor of the political rights of women in Panama.  The new legislation reserves for women a quota of 30% of places within the political parties or any other position of popular election at the national level.  This regulation adds up to other efforts directed to reduce the gender gap in politics.

In this sense, it is encouraging to know, that as a result of the recent May 5 presidential elections, out of the 71 deputies of the National Assembly elected for the new five-year period, 14 are women and 20% of other popular elected positions will also be held by women.