elections

List of voters expands

A total of 2,163,377 people are eligible to vote in the 2009 presidential elections, according to the preliminary electroral role prepared by the Tribunal Electoral (TE).

This is about 164,000 more people than were eligible to vote in the 2004 election. Of those registered, 1,615 are Panamanians living abroad.

The TE is compiling a list of registered voters that must be completed by May 30.

According to the country's election code, the preliminary list must then be delivered to the offices of the registered political parties and to municipal offices. Starting June 1, there will be a six-week period for filing objections to the list. This will include challenges to changes of address.

The TE is expected to use the list to determine the number and location of polling stations.