[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PANAMANIAN ELECTION

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                          HON. CASS BALLENGER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, the Panamanian people are soon to 
encounter an important vote that may affect the future of their 
democracy. On August 30, Panama will hold a plebiscite to decide 
whether to amend the constitution to allow the current president, 
Ernesto Perez Ballardares, to run for a second term. The Panamanian 
people seem to have developed a stable democracy and I hope they 
understand that any change could be the beginning of a retreat from 
this democracy. I trust the Panamanian people will recognize the 
importance of this vote. In addition, I hope international election 
observers will help guarantee an honest vote.

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