With a full auditorium, UMECIT hosted the Conversation on Constitutional Functions and Citizen Participation within the framework of 'Your Vote, Your Choice'

The Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology -UMECIT- is proud to have hosted a momentous event within the framework of the "Your Vote, Your Choice" campaign. This initiative, led by four prominent Panamanian universities, such as the University of Oteima, ISAE, Istmo and UMECIT, seeks to empower youth and strengthen their participation in the 2024 general elections.

The UMECIT Auditorium vibrated with a full house, far exceeding 200 attendees, who immersed themselves in an enriching meeting where three outstanding panelists masterfully addressed the topic of the Constitutional Functions of the Municipal Council and the Municipal Councils. The illustrious panelists were Joaquín Vasquéz, lawyer and communications specialist with a master's degree in education, representative of the town of Ancón in 1999 and 2009; Guillermo Willy Coche, Panamanian lawyer and politician with a rich career in public office, as a legislator, mayor of the district of Panama and ambassador of Panama to the Organization of American States in Washington DC; and Ricardo Ricky Domínguez, honorable representative of the town of Bella Vista since 2009, businessman and prominent political leader. Together, they shared their valuable knowledge on the importance of citizen participation in shaping national politics.

The enriching conversation was not limited only to constitutional functions and citizen participation; delved into crucial topics for youth empowerment. Emphasis was placed on the imperative need for youth to inform themselves and actively participate in politics, questioning their representatives and contributing effectively to the democratic process. The panelists stressed the importance of decentralization, highlighting that each citizen has the obligation to know their representatives, establish communication with them and build trust. In this context, youth were urged not only to vote, but to be active agents in shaping the country's political future, thus contributing to the strengthening of democracy.

Dr. José Alberto Nieto Rojas, Rector of UMECIT, highlighted the vital importance of the meeting to motivate young people to participate in the electoral elections on May 5. He emphasized the need for young Panamanians to know the functions of the representatives elected by popular vote, urging youth to inform themselves, reason and participate in the elections. It was highlighted that 40% of the electoral roll, corresponding to 3,041,000 people, has the right to vote, and more than 374,000 are first-time voters between 18 and 40 years old, playing a crucial role in shaping the country's destiny.

In an event that included the participation of representatives from various universities involved in the Youth Vote project, the joint commitment to empower Panamanian youth was reaffirmed. The “Your Vote, Your Choice” campaign will continue to address crucial issues for the country, including economic development, education, infrastructure, environment, citizen security and transparency.