Panama City - Turnout was light yesterday as Panamanians went to the polls in a referendum to decide if President Ernesto Perez Balladares can run for a second five-year term. Mr Perez Balladares is seeking to strike down the constitutional measure barring the immediate re-election of an outgoing president.
Panama's divided opposition has denounced the president for trying to form "a civilian dictatorship", and raised charges of irregularities.
Polls indicate the vote will be close. Last week a survey concluded that 44.9 per cent favoured a Yes vote. Another said 55.7 per cent was opposed. A third predicted voters would be split at 37 per cent.
