Panama is holding a presidential election, with former president Ricardo Martinelli playing a prominent role despite being disqualified due to a money-laundering conviction. Inside the Nicaraguan Embassy, where he has asylum, Martinelli is campaigning for José Raúl Mulino, a former public security minister who has taken his place on the ballot. Mulino is leading the polls and promising to return Panama to the economic growth it experienced under Martinelli from 2009 to 2014. The election is taking place amid political chaos and widespread frustration with the current government, with candidates competing for a five-year term in a single-round vote.
Panama has been known for its strong economic growth in recent years, thanks to factors such as the expansion of the Panama Canal, free trade agreements, and use of the US dollar as a local currency. However, most candidates claim that the country is heading in the wrong direction, citing a downgrade of Panama’s credit rating and a slowdown in economic growth. The next president will face challenges such as a humanitarian crisis with migrants crossing the Darién Gap, water scarcity, and a high deficit in the pension system. Candidates have proposed various solutions to these issues, including controlling migration flows, investing in clean water infrastructure, and addressing job creation.
Despite Martinelli’s disqualification, his image and legacy continue to play a significant role in the election campaign, especially in Mulino’s platform. Mulino has faced his own legal challenges, including accusations of embezzlement tied to a multimillion-dollar contract. He has focused his campaign on job growth, tourism, and infrastructure development. Other candidates, such as Martín Torrijos and Rómulo Roux, have made promises related to the modernization of the Panama Canal, job creation, and tax reductions for low-income earners. Ricardo Lombana has centered his campaign on fighting corruption and increasing judiciary funding.
Voters in Panama City have expressed mixed views on the political drama surrounding the election, especially regarding Mulino’s campaign and his connections to Martinelli. Some voters have praised Martinelli’s legacy and support Mulino, while others see their alliance as a symbol of corruption in Panama. Concerns about corruption, education, healthcare, and infrastructure have influenced voters’ decisions, leading to varying opinions on the best candidate for the presidency. The lack of clear political differences between candidates has also contributed to uncertainty among voters, with some still undecided on who to support.
Overall, the upcoming presidential election in Panama is a reflection of the country’s complex political landscape, economic challenges, and public dissatisfaction. The leading candidate, José Raúl Mulino, faces legal and ethical questions surrounding his campaign and association with Ricardo Martinelli. The next president will inherit a range of issues to address, from the migrant crisis to economic recovery and corruption. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the outcome of the election will have far-reaching implications for Panama’s future trajectory and governance.
