Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha reiterated his nation’s firm diplomatic stance on Venezuela this week. He confirmed Panama’s ongoing recognition of Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate winner of the 2024 presidential vote.
The statements were made on Wednesday, December 3, during a public event in Panama City. Martínez-Acha emphasized Panama’s foundational commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law in the hemisphere.
Custodian of Electoral Evidence
Panama positioned itself as a key regional actor following last year’s contested poll. The country was among the first governments to formally acknowledge González Urrutia’s victory in the July 28 election. More concretely, Panamanian authorities are physically safeguarding crucial evidence from that vote.
The original tally sheets from the Venezuelan electoral council are stored under high security. They remain in the vaults of Panama’s National Bank, a responsibility the foreign minister said the country takes seriously.
“We want democracy to exist in Venezuela and for the will of the people to be respected,” Martínez-Acha said. [Translated from Spanish]
The minister’s comments directly address the ongoing political impasse in Caracas. They underscore a consistent Panamanian foreign policy that prioritizes constitutional order and popular sovereignty.
Regional Solidarity at Nobel Ceremony
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino will demonstrate this solidarity on the global stage next week. He plans to travel to Oslo, Norway for the December 10 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado will receive the award.
Mulino will attend alongside several other Latin American heads of state. His presence is intended as a powerful signal of regional support for the Venezuelan democratic opposition. This diplomatic move aligns with Panama’s early and continued recognition of the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election results.
The nation’s stance is not merely symbolic. By holding the electoral documents, Panama provides a tangible piece of the puzzle for any future political resolution. Officials view their role as one of neutral stewardship, preserving a record they believe reflects the true will of Venezuelan voters. This position continues to define Panama’s engagement with the complex Venezuelan crisis, a stance that resonates with many citizens who want democracy upheld across the region.