Amendments Limiting Political influence of the military

The political landscape of Panama underwent notable changes following the death of General Omar Torrijos in a plane crash, which led to widespread speculation regarding the circumstances of his demise. This event marked a pivotal moment in the country's governance, as it prompted a series of constitutional amendments aimed at limiting the political influence of the military. In 1983, these amendments were introduced with the intention of prohibiting the military from engaging in political activities. However, despite these legal changes, the Panama Defense Forces (PDF) maintained a strong grip on the political sphere, effectively overshadowing the civilian government. The PDF operated behind a facade of civilian rule, continuing to exert control over political affairs and decision-making processes, which undermined the intended impact of the constitutional reforms.