The former administrator of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), Alberto Aleman Zubieta is considering a run for the presidency.

The man who  ran the world’s most important waterway for 16 years made the statement on  Tuesday December 4 during a ceremony at the Technological University of Panama where he was awarded an honorary doctorate for his "leadership, excellence, integrity and transparency in  trunning  the Panama Canal, the cornerstone of the global maritime service.”

He said  that "many people in the street" had  approached him  to run as a presidential candidate in general elections of 2014.

Therefore, he said, he is considering a presidential bid. 

Alemán Zubieta ended his term as Canal administrator in September, and, says La Prensa, various sectors of the country applauded his work during the 16 years in charge of the  canal management.

Talk among politicians that the ruling Democratic Change (CD) may offer the opportunity for the presidential nomination. While political analysts argue that he  could run  as an independent candidate.

Seven people have so far said they will run for president.