THE SHORT LIST of candidates  for the upcoming two vacancies in Panama’s Supreme Court  has been announced  with an equal split of men and women.

Panama America, owned by RicardoMartinelli, predictably wasted no time in claiming that six of the 10 candidates are supporters of President Juan Carlos Varela (about the same as the  nationwide percentage).

The vacancies will be created when the terms of Harley Mitchell and Victor Benavides expire on Dec. 31.

"It was a very difficult process because the applicants had very good credentials," said Minister of the Presidency, Álvaro Alemán, who announced  the short list.      There were 153 applicants.

The 10 finalists will undergo a consultation process with civic groups who will make recommendations to the executive. The two nominees will be decided by the Cabinet Council, who will then have to be ratified by the Supreme Court.