Eight candidates are vying for the position, led by an aide to a former head of state convicted of corruption.
Panamanians are heading to the polls in a general election to choose their next president and vote for hundreds of legislators and officials.
After weeks of campaigning, more than 3 million voters decided which of the eight candidates would be best suited to solve Panama’s pressing economic problems, fight corruption and restore its reputation as an investment haven. It is up to you to decide whether you are in a position to do so.
No party is expected to gain control in parliament, where 885 seats are at stake.
Voting will be open to all eligible voters for eight hours starting at 7am (12pm GMT).
Even after former President Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014), a popular vice presidential candidate, was barred from running due to a money laundering conviction, former minister José Raul Mulino, who was included in the election, remained popular with public opinion. Leading the way in research.
Martinelli has dominated much of the campaign, campaigning for the former vice presidential candidate from inside the Nicaraguan embassy, where he took political asylum and fled on February 8.
Mulino has been evasive about his relationship with the former president, rarely wearing a blue “Martinelli Mulino 2024” hat and vowing to support Martinelli if elected. He also promised a return to the vibrant economy seen under Martinelli.
Romulo Lu, who is running for his second presidential election, and former President Martín Torrijos alternated between second and third place. Following closely behind are Ricardo Lombana, who also ran in the last election, and current Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo.
Panama’s election rules do not require a run-off, and Sunday’s results will be final. Each campaign announced it would send volunteers to polling stations to oversee voting and ensure a fair election.
The winner will serve as Panamanian head of state and prime minister, and will take office on July 1.
anxiety
Mulino’s campaign message appears to be resonating with many voters fed up with Panama’s political system, which was disrupted for weeks by massive anti-government protests last year.
The protests are targeting 20 years of government concessions for Canadian mining company First Quantum to continue operating its Cobre Panama copper mine, but critics say the drought is so severe that the Panama Canal cannot be closed. They argue that trade transport through the country is now effectively an impediment, endangering the environment and water. .
Lawmakers from various political parties who supported the controversial deal are facing a backlash that could erode their support, as many Panamanians who protested last year claimed the deal was awarded through corruption. There is.
Panama’s Supreme Court ruled in November that the deal was unconstitutional.
Corruption has become a top concern for voters. Local media recently reported on lucrative student loans and scholarships given to children of politicians and wealthy tycoon families.
The next government will have to contend with a failing pension system, high levels of public debt and declining revenues from mine closures that accounted for about 5% of gross domestic product.