Ernesto Pérez Balladares Sworn in as President

Ernesto Pérez Balladares became president following an internationally monitored election campaign. He was the candidate for a coalition that included three parties, with the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) being the most prominent. The PRD had historical ties to the military dictatorship that governed during the Torrijos and Noriega eras. Balladares' election marked a transition in Panama's political landscape, as it represented a shift from military rule to a more democratic governance structure. His presidency aimed to address the challenges of governance and economic recovery in a country that had experienced significant political turmoil. The coalition's formation and Balladares' leadership were seen as crucial steps in stabilizing the nation and fostering democratic practices.