The list of lawyers who think they have the credentials to take a seat in Panama’s Supreme Court, for the next 10 years had spiraled to 116  by Friday, April 13, the closing date for applications.

The resumes will be submitted to for verification of compliance with the constitutional requirements, among which must stand out: independence and impartiality, remarkable legal knowledge, an outstanding professional trajectory, and commitment to the protection of fundamental rights, democracy, and transparency.

Acommission involving  the Minister of the Presidency, Álvaro Alemán; Minister of Government, María Luisa Romero; the Deputy Minister of the Presidency, Salvador Sánchez; the vice minister of Social Development, Michelle Muschett; and lawyer Gian Castillero, will draw up a short list, of at least 10 candidates, who meet the requirements, which will be submitted to a process of consultations with the State Pact for Justice, observations on the respective candidates, and after the consultation, the list will be submitted by the Ministry of the Presidency for consideration by the Cabinet Council.

Civil Society has called for a short list of at least 20 to help undercut political cronyism. Candidates can expect a rough ride as the country has been teetering on the edge of a constitutional crisis with widening gaps between the Executive, the justice system, and the National Assembly, along with increasing concerns over corruption and immunity.