PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panamanians began voting Sunday. in the election It has been consumed by the unfolding drama surrounding the country’s former president, even though he is not on the ballot.
Before the sweltering sun set, voters in this normally sleepy Central American country lined up outside polling stations, trying to weigh promises of economic prosperity and immigration crackdowns against corruption scandals.
More than 50 countries will go to the polls in 2024
“Panama’s election will be one of the most complex in modern history. This vote is characterized by growing political divisions on foreign policy and social discontent. President Laurentino Cortizo” Arantza Alonso, senior analyst for the Americas at risk consulting firm Verisk Maplecroft, said before the vote.
The presidential race remained uncertain until Friday morning, when Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that the likely presidential candidates were: Jose Raul Mulino allowed to run. He said he was eligible despite allegations that his candidacy was invalid because he didn’t win the primary.
Mulino entered the campaign late to replace the former president. Ricardo Martinelli As a candidate for the Achievement Party. 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 dominated much of the race, campaigning for his former vice presidential candidate from within the walls of the Nicaraguan embassy. he was evacuated in February After receiving political asylum.
Although lacking Martinelli’s mettle, Mulino has been evasive about his relationship with the former president. He is rarely seen wearing a blue “Martinelli Mulino 2024” cap, and he has pledged to support Martinelli if elected.
Juan José Tinoco, a 63-year-old bus driver, was among those lining up outside a polling place in Panama City’s seaside neighborhood. He said he intended to vote for Mr. Mulino because it was the closest route to Mr. Martinelli, adding that he had earned a decent income under the former president’s leadership.
“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. “We have money, we have a lot of wealth here, but we need a leader who is committed to Panama’s needs.”
Mr. Mulino ushered in the strong economy seen under Martinelli and vowed to end this. Migration through the Darien GapHalf a million migrants passed through the dangerous jungle region that straddles Colombia and Panama last year.
His message resonated with many voters who were fed up with Panama’s political system, which was disrupted for weeks by massive anti-government protests last year.
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.
Mulino is being pursued by former President Martín Torrijos and two candidates from the last election, Ricardo Lombana and Romulo Lu.