PANAMA CITY — (AP) — José Raul Mulino, the candidate to replace disqualified former President Ricardo Martinelli, is on track to victory in Panama's presidential election Sunday night as three of his closest rivals conceded. I was on my way.
The 64-year-old former security minister received nearly 35% of the vote, giving him a nine-point lead over other candidates. He was set to take over the leadership of a Central American country with pressing challenges and simmering grievances.
Mr Martinelli, a controversial politician who was banned from running after being sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering, supported Mr Mulino, a 64-year-old former security minister who voted to replace him as a target candidate. and allied parties.
Mr. Mulino promised that if Mr. Martinelli won, he would resolve legal issues, bring about a new wave of economic prosperity and stop historic levels of immigration through the Darien Gap. He must also confront the economic fallout from last year's mass protests and the drought that has crippled the Panama Canal.
Mr. Mulino lacked the charisma of his ally, but he capitalized on Mr. Martinelli's popularity and the boom seen under the former leader, who has now filed for asylum and is holed up in the Nicaraguan embassy.
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PANAMA CITY (AP) – José Raul Mulino, who replaced disqualified former President Ricardo Martinelli in Panama's presidential election, led early vote counting Sunday night, winning 34% of the vote. , with a lead of nearly 10 points over him. 4 rivals.
Although only 60% of the votes had been counted, supporters of Mulino's campaign headquarters celebrated by singing and waving flags. Panama does not have a runoff system, so the candidate with the most votes wins.
Eager for change after months of political turmoil and protests, Panamanians weighed promises of economic prosperity and a crackdown on immigration against corruption scandals. The election was filled with unfolding drama surrounding the country's former president, even if he wasn't on the ballot.
“Panama's election will be one of the most complex in modern history,” said Arantza Alonso, senior analyst for the Americas at risk consulting firm Verisk Maplecroft. “It has been characterized by growing political divisions and social discontent under President Cortizo.” before voting begins.
The presidential election remained uncertain until Friday morning, when Panama's Supreme Court ruled that Mulino could run. He said he was eligible despite allegations that his candidacy was invalid because he didn't win the primary.
Mulino joined the campaign late as a candidate for the Achievement Party, replacing former President Ricardo Martinelli. The passionate Martinelli was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for money laundering and was banned from running for office in March.
Martinelli, a businessman who served as Panama's president from 2009 to 2014, dominated much of the race. He campaigned for the former vice presidential candidate from inside the walls of the Nicaraguan embassy, and received political asylum there in February. On Sunday morning, Mulino wandered into the Nicaraguan embassy, followed by photographers, wrapped Martinelli in a big hug and said, “Brother, we're going to win!”
Although lacking Martinelli's mettle, Mulino spoke matter-of-factly about his connection to the former president. He is rarely seen without a blue Martinelli Mulino 2024 hat and has vowed to support Martinelli if elected, a pledge welcomed by the former president's supporters.
Panamanians are largely exhausted by the endemic graft that plagues the country. Nevertheless, many are willing to ignore Martinelli's prison sentence, his 2017 arrest in Florida, and other corruption scandals in favor of the economic boom seen during Martinelli's presidency.
Among them was Juan José Tinoco, who voted from a working-class neighborhood of small concrete houses surrounded by luxury skyscrapers. The 63-year-old bus driver said he intended to vote for Mulino because he was closest to Martinelli, adding that he had earned a decent income during the former president's tenure.
“We have problems with health services, we have problems with education, we have trash on the streets, and we have corruption that will never go away,” Tinoco said. “There's money here. This country has a lot of wealth, but we need leaders who are committed to Panama's needs.”
Mr. Mulino promised to bring about a new wave of economic prosperity and stop migration through the Darién Gap, a dangerous jungle region straddling Colombia and Panama through which half a million migrants passed last year.
While Mulino's message resonated with many voters, others like 68-year-old Uber driver Emmanuel Romero agree that the country needs new leadership, but change is needed. did.
Romero's car featured a banner for Ricardo Lombana, a candidate who is trying to win the votes of young Panamanians who denounce corruption and demand change.
Mulino led the polls with about 35% of the vote, while his competitors lagged behind. According to a March poll by the Panama Civic Institute, former President Martín Torrijos was in second place with 15%, followed by former presidential candidates Romulo Lu and Lombana with 14% and 12%, respectively.
“If you want to see more of the same things, like corruption and the destruction of our country, let’s vote for the same people. I believe,” Romero said.
Regardless of who takes control, Panama's next president will face an uphill battle, especially on the economic front. Last year, the Central American country was rocked by weeks of large-scale anti-government protests, sparking deeper discontent among its people.
The protests have targeted government contracts with copper mines, which critics say are endangering the environment and water at a time when a severe drought has effectively blocked trade shipments through the Panama Canal. ing.
Many celebrated when the country's Supreme Court declared the deal unconstitutional in November, but mine closures, a recent slowdown in economic growth and reduced canal traffic have led to Panama's new leadership You'll be in trouble.
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Associated Press journalist Janetsky reported from Mexico City.
