politics

Campaign spending criticized

The amount spent by candidates vying to become Panama's next president was criticized yesterday by various sectors of society.

According to a recently-released study, the potential presidential candidates have spent more than $3.4 million so far on advertising, an amount that Catholic Church representatives found excessive.

"Politicians should usethat money on food and housing for the poor," said José Domingo Ulloa, the obispo auxiliar de la arquidiócesis de Panama.

Political analyst Edwin Cabrera shared that view.

"That amount is an insult to the poor of the country," he said. "It is a consequence of the exaggerated pre-election period."

Meanwhile, the general secretary of the Central General de Trabajadores de Panamá (CGTP), Mariano Mena, said the large amount of spending is a sign of the political problems that plague the country.

"People who do not have money can not run for popular office," he said.

According to the report, Partido Revolucionario Democrático (PRD) candidate Juan Carlos Navarro has spent the most on advertising, with almost $1 million. And he has spent that amount without even having secured his party's nomination.

Campaign spending is expected to climb much higher once each party has decided on a candidate and the presidential campaign swings into high gear. The election willtake place in May 2009.