Panamanian youth prepares to influence the 2024 elections

Panama, February 19, 2024. – With the purpose of empowering Panamanian youth and highlighting the importance of the young vote in the 2024 elections, the Universidad Del Istmo organized the forum: 'Challenges and Responsibilities of an Informed Voter'; as part of the “Your Vote, Your Choice” campaign.

The initiative, supported by the Universidad del Istmo together with OTEIMA, UMECIT and ISAE Universidad, seeks to strengthen the participation of young people in the electoral process.

The forum took place at a crucial time for Panama, where more than 300,000 young people are expected to vote for the first time in the upcoming elections, representing almost 40% of the country's electoral population, according to data from the Electoral Tribunal. This underlines the power and significant influence of the youth vote on the destiny of the country.

During the event, highly relevant issues that affect Panamanian society were addressed, highlighting the importance of young people being consciously involved in the electoral process, recognizing that their voice and decision are fundamental elements for the future of the country.

The rector of the Universidad del Istmo, Juan Pablo Cardozo Real, highlighted the importance of this initiative as part of the institution's commitment to the comprehensive training of its students. “We provide the tools so that our students can exercise an informed vote through Your Vote, Your Choice, promoting the development of critical thinking among young people, being a fundamental tool in the development of each student and in the construction of a more fair and equitable,” he concluded.

The panelists, including the Honorable Representative Gabriel Silva, the Social Activist Camila Aybar and the director of the International Center for Political and Social Studies, Harry Brown, offered their knowledge and experiences on the influence of disinformation on the development of democracy, as well as as well as the challenges and tools to mitigate exposure to fake news in the digital age.

In addition, the Digital Ethical Pact was discussed, a public commitment assumed by digital media users in Panama during the electoral processes, which seeks to promote responsible use of the Internet and social networks to guarantee a healthy and respectful democracy.

The forum concluded with a call for reflection on the importance of each vote and each voice in democratic society, quoting the Spanish philosopher María Zambrano: "In a democratic society, deciding is not allowed, it is obligatory."

The “Your Vote, Your Choice” campaign is committed to continuing key actions, such as voting awareness, electoral education and connection with candidates, with the aim of strengthening the civic participation of young people and contributing to the democratic development of the country .

“This incredible Your Vote, Your Choice initiative is very important, ahead of the elections on May 5, 2024, so that young people understand the power of their vote and the power of transformation. It is a space not only to acquire information, it is to share, question, debate and try to educate yourself to make the right decision for the future of this country and ourselves. I invite you to participate in all the activities,” highlighted HD Gabriel Silva, guest panelist.

We invite all young Panamanians to join this initiative and actively participate in the virtual and in-person conversations organized by the allied universities. Your voice and your vote are fundamental to building a more just and equitable political and social future in Panama.