BRIEFS. politics

Campaign spending tops $1 million

According to a survey, Panama's potential presidential candidates have spent more than $1.1 million on advertising, even though the election is more than a year away.

The list is headed by Partido Panameñista candidate Alberto Vallarino, who spent $263,000 up until the end of February. His main rival, Juan Carlos Varela, has spent a little more than $200,000.

Cambio Democrático (CD) party president Ricardo Martinelli has spent about $150,000.

Juan Carlos Navarro and Balbina Herrera, both members of the Partido Revolucionario Democrático (PRD), have spent about $100,000 each, while former President Ernesto Pérez Balladares spent about $50,000. These candidates were all involved in campaigns for positions within the PRD's Comité Ejecutivo Nacional (CEN). Balladares was not successful, while both Herrera and Navarro were elected.

Candidates spent $500,000 in January and $600,000 in February. Spending is expected to drop off now that the PRD has held its national convention.

Political parties and candidates are required to register private contributions they receive for their operation and campaigns. The Código Electoral states that the information relating to the origin of private contributions will be kept confidential and used only to determine that there is no evidence of violations