The Inter-American Union of Electoral Organizations (Uniore) has a new presiding nation. Panama officially transferred the Pro Tempore Presidency to Paraguay during the organization’s seventeenth conference held in Asuncion. This move concludes a two-year term where Panamanian authorities focused on technical strengthening and defending digital democracy.
Alfredo Juncá Wendehake, a magistrate from Panama’s Electoral Tribunal, formally handed over leadership to César Emilio Rossel, a minister from Paraguay’s Superior Court of Electoral Justice. The ceremony marked the end of a period defined by ambitious regional cooperation. Officials from across the Americas witnessed the transition, which sets the stage for Paraguay’s upcoming leadership agenda.
Panama’s Strategic Agenda for Electoral Integrity
Leading the organization from 2023 to 2025, Panama executed a strategic plan built on five core pillars. These foundations included inter-institutional technical cooperation and crafting regional strategies to counter disinformation. The plan also emphasized international electoral observation, specialized academic training networks, and improved operational coordination.
“This presidency was characterized by technical strengthening, regional cooperation, and the active defense of digital democracy,” [Translated from Spanish] stated a summary of Panama’s tenure released by the tribunal electoral.
Magistrate Juncá personally contributed to this mission through extensive fieldwork. His record includes participation in more than 30 international electoral observation or accompaniment missions. He visited every country in the Americas, solidifying his role as a hemispheric guarantor of electoral transparency. This hands-on approach defined Panama’s leadership style.
A Digital Shield for Elections
A key highlight of the conference involved the unveiling of a new protective framework. Delegates presented the Strategic Proposal for Digital Protection of the Electoral Process. This comprehensive initiative includes specific protocols designed to confront modern threats.
The proposal aims to shield electoral systems from disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and the erosion of public trust in institutions. It positions Uniore as a global leader in safeguarding electoral integrity within increasingly digital environments. This forward-thinking document was one of Panama’s signature achievements.
Panama also revitalized the organization’s online presence during its leadership. It reactivated Uniore’s official Instagram account and strengthened its main website. The digital platform now serves as a repository for best practices, technical reports, and specialized training tools accessible to all member states.
Paraguay Assumes the Mandate
With the transfer of the Pro-Tempore Presidency complete, Paraguay now accepts the responsibility of continuing this work. The South American nation has committed to promoting horizontal cooperation and technological innovation. It will also focus on the institutional strengthening of electoral bodies across the continent.
Uniore has reaffirmed its core mission through this transition. The organization seeks to build a robust, participatory democracy based on citizen trust and technical support. The work continues under new leadership, with the foundational efforts of the previous administration providing a strong base. Paraguay will guide the collective through the next phase of electoral challenges and opportunities.