Following the absence of a key contender, Jose Raul Mulino, a former public security minister, secured victory in Panama’s Presidential elections held on Sunday, as reported by The New York Post (NYT). Ricardo Martinelli, the former president nicknamed “El loco” (the crazy one) by his supporters, was a frontrunner until his disqualification stemming from a money-laundering conviction.
Even after being excluded, Martinelli maintained influence from the Nicaraguan Embassy in Panama City, where he resides under asylum. From this position, he actively campaigned for his former running mate, Jose Raul Mulino.
Mulino, who emerged as the frontrunner among eight candidates, has vowed to rejuvenate Panama’s economic prosperity, reminiscent of the growth witnessed during Martinelli’s presidency from 2009 to 2014.
Against a backdrop of political unrest and public dissatisfaction, heightened by widespread frustration with the current government and recent protests over a contentious copper-mining agreement, as reported by the NYT, the election unfolded.
Voters participated in a single-round vote for a five-year term, with the candidate garnering the highest percentage of votes declared the victor. Simultaneously, voters elected representatives for the National Assembly and local governments.
Critics of Mulino had voiced concerns regarding his firm stance on migration and his associations with Martinelli’s administration, which has been tarnished by allegations of corruption.
Panama’s economy, buoyed by the expansion of the Panama Canal and advantageous trade pacts, encounters obstacles amid a credit rating downgrade and reduced growth forecasts. Economic prospects have been further subdued by the repercussions of a Supreme Court decision deeming a copper mining contract unconstitutional.
Furthermore, the incoming president faces a host of urgent challenges, including a humanitarian emergency along the Darien Gap exacerbated by migrant surges and escalating criminality. Mulino supports rigorous measures to stem illegal migration, a stance criticized by opponents advocating for diplomatic resolutions and human rights safeguards, as per the NYT.
Water scarcity and infrastructure deficiencies are significant concerns, exacerbated by a recent drought affecting the Panama Canal’s operations. Candidates pledge to tackle these issues while focusing on job creation and economic diversification.
Despite Martinelli’s disqualification, Mulino’s campaign leverages his legacy, highlighting accomplishments like the Panama Canal expansion and infrastructure improvements.
However, Mulino’s candidacy is not devoid of controversy. In 2015, he faced arrest on embezzlement charges linked to a radar procurement contract signed during his tenure as public security minister. Although cleared of charges due to procedural flaws, doubts persist regarding his integrity and accountability.
As the election approaches, voters express varying views on Mulino’s candidacy. Some commend his dedication to economic rejuvenation, pointing to Martinelli’s prosperous leadership, while others raise concerns about his ties to corruption-tainted politics, as per The New York Times.