Panama is preparing for a presidential election in which Ricardo Martinelli, a former president, is a key player despite not being on the ballot due to a money-laundering conviction. From inside the Nicaraguan Embassy, Martinelli is actively campaigning for his former running mate and current candidate, José Raúl Mulino. Mulino, the frontrunner, has promised to restore Panama’s economic growth under Martinelli’s leadership. The election is marked by political chaos, fueled by widespread frustration with the current government and protests against a controversial copper mining contract. Candidates are competing for a five-year term in a single-round vote, with Mulino leading in the polls.
Panama’s economic success has been driven by the expansion of the Panama Canal, free-trade agreements, and the use of the US dollar as its currency. However, most candidates believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, citing a recent credit rating downgrade and slower economic growth. The next president will face challenges such as a humanitarian crisis caused by migrants crossing the Darién Gap and water supply issues due to drought conditions. Candidates have pledged to address these issues, along with Panama’s pension system deficit and job creation.
Despite Martinelli’s disqualification, Mulino’s campaign continues to rely on his legacy, including overseeing major infrastructure projects like the Panama Canal expansion and new subway system. Mulino has dismissed Martinelli’s corruption charges as politically motivated, and his own legal troubles have been questioned. Other candidates, like Torrijos, Roux, and Lombana, have focused on job creation, anti-corruption measures, and social welfare promises in their campaigns. Voters in Panama City have expressed mixed views on the political drama surrounding Mulino’s campaign and Martinelli’s legacy.
With the election approaching, voters in Panama City have varying opinions on the candidates and the current political landscape. Some supporters of Mulino and Martinelli believe that the former president’s legacy should continue, while others see the alliance between the two as a symbol of corruption in the country. Issues such as corruption, economic growth, and social welfare are at the forefront of voters’ minds as they consider their choices. Some voters have praised Martinelli’s past prosperity in Panama, while others view corruption as a pervasive problem that needs to be addressed. The lack of clear political differences between candidates and party affiliations has caused confusion among voters.
Overall, the upcoming presidential election in Panama is shaping up to be a contentious race marked by political drama, corruption accusations, and promises of economic growth and social welfare reforms. With the frontrunner, José Raúl Mulino, facing scrutiny over his ties to former president Ricardo Martinelli, voters are weighing their options based on each candidate’s stance on key issues like corruption, job creation, and social welfare. As Panama grapples with economic challenges, a humanitarian crisis, and environmental concerns, the next president will have a full agenda of structural challenges to navigate in the coming years.
