Panama Electoral Court Says It Can’t Hold a Mine Referendum
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Demonstrators protest against the mining contract in Panama City, Panama on Oct. 24.
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Panama’s electoral court said it can’t organize a referendum over a flagship copper mine owned by First Quantum Minerals Ltd., as requested by President Laurentino Cortizo on Sunday, because that would require congress to first pass a law.
“At this moment, there are no conditions to organize the intended popular consultation,” the electoral authority said in a statement Monday, also citing logistics and other legal reasons that prevent the organization of a referendum.