Bosco case on hold

PANAMA. The judges of the Electoral Tribunal decided to put on hold the double nationality case of the mayor-elect, Bosco Ricardo Vallarino, which has kept him from taking office.

The Electoral Tribunal decision will allow Vallarino to take possession of his post if no further objection is presented before the Tribunal.

Vallarino said “I am very happy with the results and when I receive my credentials I am going to go church to thank God, then I am going to give a surprise to the street cleaners.”

On Monday, Vallarino presented through his lawyer, Herbert Young the National Assembly resolution restoring his citizens rights, a decision that according to his opponents is illegal and violates the Constitution.

Bosco Vallarino was elected mayor of the capital district during the last elections in the middle of a legal process against him, because of his double nationality.

Although the Constitution said that no Panamanian by birth loses nationality, his citizens rights can be suspended if he adopts another nationality.

The matter has created a lot of uncertainty in the Mayor’s office, because Roxana Mendez, Vallarino’s deputy is acting as head of the Capital District.

It is possible that the case will go to the Supreme Court.