Panamanians are currently participating in a general election to select the nation’s next president, as well as vote for numerous lawmakers and officials. Among the eight contenders running for the position, Jose Raul Mulino, a former minister and protege of ex-President Ricardo Martinelli, who is currently serving a sentence for corruption, is leading in the polls. However, no single party is expected to gain control of the legislature, where there are 885 seats up for grabs. Polls are open for eight hours for eligible voters to cast their votes.
Rivaling Mulino in the polls are Romulo Roux and former President Martin Torrijos, who have constantly shifted between second and third place. Ricardo Lombana, a candidate who previously ran in the last election, and current Vice President Jose Gabriel Carrizo are also closely following behind in the race. Panama does not require a run-off election, so Sunday’s results will be final, leading to the winner taking office on July 1. Campaigns have promised to send volunteers to oversee the voting process and ensure a fair election.
Many Panamanians are showing support for Mulino’s campaign, which promises to bring a return to the prosperous economy seen during Martinelli’s presidency. This messaging has struck a chord with voters who are tired of the political establishment and who participated in mass protests against the government last year. The protests were sparked by concerns over a government concession granted to a Canadian mining company, which critics believed posed environmental risks. The issue of corruption has also gained traction among voters, with reports of nepotism and favoritism involving the children of politicians and wealthy families.
The next government will face challenges such as a troubled pension fund system, high levels of public debt, and the economic impact of the closure of a major copper mine that accounted for 5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. The winner of the election will serve as both head of state and prime minister of Panama. Despite the unrest and political turmoil, there is hope that the newly elected leader will be able to address these pressing issues and restore Panama’s reputation as an investment haven. The election results will have significant implications for the future direction of the country’s economy and governance.
