Proportional Representation according to the Constitution and Population Distribution Representación proporcional según la Constitución y la distribución de la población. Commentary on Article 147 of the Constitution

Abstract

This paper analyzes Article 147 of the Constitution of the Republic of Panama, which establishes the fundamental rules for the election of deputies, with special emphasis on the proportional representation system and the configuration of electoral districts throughout the country’s constitutional history. It examines how territorial distribution significantly influences electoral outcomes at the district level, as well as the impact of the number of seats allocated to each multi-member district. In addition, it addresses the role of the Electoral Tribunal, as established by the Constitution, in defining such distribution and determining the number of seats per district, taking into account the most recent bills submitted by this institution. Finally, it compares the Electoral Tribunal’s projections with the current seat distribution, highlighting how the lack of adjustments in line with population growth can lead to cases of overrepresentation or underrepresentation in different districts.