PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panamanians are 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.
Voters lined up outside polling stations as the sweltering sun beat down on the usually sleepy Central American country. Panamanians seeking change after months of political turmoil and protests are weighing promises of economic prosperity and a crackdown on immigration 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 voting began.
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, a businessman who served as Panama’s president from 2009 to 2014, has largely dominated the race. He campaigned for the former vice presidential candidate from within the walls of the Nicaraguan embassy. he was evacuated in February After receiving political asylum. 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 has been evasive about his relationship with 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. Despite this, many are willing to ignore Martinelli’s prison sentence and 2017 arrest in Florida. corruption scandal He supported the strong economy seen during his 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.”
Mulino promised to usher in a new wave of economic prosperity and stop that wave. Migration through the Darien GapHalf a million migrants passed through the dangerous jungle region that straddles Colombia and Panama 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 has been leading in opinion polls with about 35% of the vote, but his competitors are lagging 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.
In November, many celebrated at the country’s highest court; declared the contract unconstitutionalmine closures, a recent slowdown in economic growth, and cuts to canal traffic will leave Panama’s new leadership in a bind.
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Associated Press journalist Janetsky reported from Mexico City.
