MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

OAS will monitor Panama general elections next 4 May 2014

Peruvian politician Lourdes Flores heads the Electoral Observation mission

The Organization of American States, OAS, Electoral Observation Mission is visiting Panama to monitor the organization of the General Elections of May 4, 2014, in response to an invitation from the country’s electoral and governmental authorities.

Head this Mission was appointed the renowned Peruvian lawyer and politician, Lourdes Flores Nano. The former Peruvian presidential candidate has held the positions of Congresswoman, Municipal Councillor, and President of the Christian People’s Party, and ran in two occasions for president.

Furthermore, she has an outstanding international career and headed the OAS Electoral Observation Mission during the 2012 elections in El Salvador.

On Wednesday the Chief of Mission signed, along with the President of the Electoral Tribunal of Panama, the agreement on procedures for the Mission’s observation.

She will also hold meetings with various electoral, governmental and political authorities, as well as presidential candidates.

Since 1972, the OAS has accompanied and/or observed a total of nine elections in Panama. For the 2014 elections, the Organization is planning a long-term observation mission, as well as the deployment of a core group of experts and observers in order to be cognizant of both the electoral administration process and the political campaign.