Another presidential alliance nearer home

The presidential candidate of Democratic Change CD (Cambio Democratico), Ricardo Martinelli and his Panameñista Party counterpart, Juan Carlos Varela talked for almost two hours at the residence of the United States Ambassador, Barbara Stephenson, while watching the inauguration of the new president of the United States, Barack Obama.

Martinelli already has the support of the Patriotic Union Party UP (Unión Patriotica) and Molirena while Varela failed to form an alliance with Guillermo Endara’s party Moral Forefront of the Homeland (Vanguardia Moral de la Patria), but if either of them they will have to reach a compromise.

This is the first time that Martinelli and Varela have been seen in public together in a while. I

The meeting has great significance for the opposition because observers believe that this first encounter could lead to the formation of a united front against the PRD candidate, Balbina Herrera.

If an alliance between Varela and Martinelli is confirmed then there will be three candidates fighting for the presidency: Martinelli, Guillermo Endara and Balbina Herrera.

Varela and Martinelli did not say very much about their conversation, but both said that they share similar ideas and beliefs, especially with regards to the PRD and Balbina Herrera.

The opposition candidates did not think highly of Herrera, who has been accused by a Union Patriotica member. of being a communist.

Meanwhile, Herrera is in trouble as one of her key advisors recently resigned without giving an explanation.

If Varela and Martinelli decide to unite the opposition could have a shot at the presidency after five years of a PRD government headed by President Martin Torrijos.