All information, announcements, forms, and the election calendar will be published in this section.
By Consular Decree No. 14/2026, signed by the Head of Mission of the Embassy of Italy in Panama, elections have been called for the establishment and renewal of the Committee of Italians Abroad in Panama.
The Committees of Italians Abroad are representative bodies of the Italian community in its relations with diplomatic and consular missions and work to promote the integration of the Italian community residing in the foreign country in which they operate.
Eligible voters who meet the legal requirements for voting and who have been residing and registered with AIRE within the consular district for at least 6 MONTHS (as of the date of the elections) will be entitled to take part in this important electoral event.
Voting takes place by mail. However, unlike political elections and referendums, the electoral package will be sent ONLY to voters who have expressly requested to be registered on the electoral roll for the Com.It.Es. elections by 4 November 2026.
PLEASE NOTE: in order to receive the electoral package, voters must therefore request registration on the electoral roll from their competent Consulate NO LATER THAN 4 NOVEMBER 2026.
Citizens may submit the form requesting registration on the electoral roll for the Com.It.Es. elections in one of the following ways:
- by submitting it in person (by appointment, where required, and presenting a valid identity document);
- by sending it by post together with a photocopy of an identity document bearing the holder’s signature;
- by sending it by ordinary or certified email, together with a copy of an identity document bearing the holder’s signature.
What are the elections for?
The elections are held to renew the Committees of Italians Abroad (Com.It.Es.). Established in 1985, they are representative bodies of Italian communities abroad, directly elected by Italian citizens who have been residing for at least 6 months within the relevant Consular District.
What do the Com.It.Es. do?
They represent Italian citizens living abroad in their relations with Embassies and Consulates and promote their integration. They are also tasked with preserving the historical memory of Italian emigration and highlighting the contribution of Italians to the societies in which they operate.
When are they established and who are their members?
Com.It.Es. may be established in Consular Districts with more than 3,000 citizens registered with AIRE. They consist of 12 members in communities of up to 100,000 Italian citizens and 18 members in communities exceeding that threshold. Committee members serve a 5-year term.
Who can vote in the Com.It.Es. elections?
Italian citizens who have been residing for at least 6 months within the Consular District and who have submitted an application to their competent Consulate to be included in the electoral roll.
How do you vote?
Voting in the Com.It.Es. elections takes place by mail. Ballot papers will be sent to the residential address of those who have requested to participate in the election. They must then be returned to the Consulate, carefully following the instructions provided in the information sheet included in the electoral envelope.
Updates:
22/07/2026 – COMITES 2026 Elections
03/09/2026 – CALL FOR THE COMITES ELECTIONS – 3 SEPTEMBER 2026
08/09/2026 – PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF CANDIDATE LISTS. SIGNING AND AUTHENTICATION OF SIGNATURES
11/09/2026 – COM.IT.ES. ELECTIONS 2026 – SIGNATURE AUTHENTICATION: DEDICATED HOURS AND SPECIAL OPENINGS
21/09/2026 – COM.IT.ES. ELECTIONS 2026 – LISTS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION
21/09/2026 – COM.IT.ES. ELECTIONS 2026 – SPECIAL OPENING ON SATURDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER
