In a surprising turn of events, voters in Panama have chosen former security minister José Raúl Mulino as their next president. Mulino entered the presidential race late, stepping in for his disqualified running mate, Ricardo Martinelli, who had a money laundering conviction. Despite not participating in televised debates and originally aiming for the vice presidency, Mulino, a conservative, managed to secure a significant lead in the opinion polls.
With over 90% of the preliminary count in, Mulino garnered 34% of the vote, followed by anti-corruption candidate Ricardo Lombana at nearly 25%, who gracefully conceded defeat. Former President Martín Torrijos trailed at 16%, with lawyer Rómulo Roux at 11%, and the remaining candidates falling below the 10% mark.
Mulino’s victory is seen as a nod to the hope for a return to the economic prosperity Panama experienced during Martinelli’s presidency from 2009 to 2014. Addressing his supporters upon securing the win, Mulino declared, “Mission accomplished, Ricardo,” but also asserted his independence, stating firmly, “I am no-one’s puppet,” and pledging diligent work for the country.
However, Mulino’s visit to Ricardo Martinelli at the Nicaraguan embassy, where Martinelli sought asylum to evade arrest after losing his appeal against the money laundering conviction, raises questions about their relationship.
During his short campaign, Mulino made headlines by pledging to “close” the Darién Gap, the dense jungle on the Panamanian-Colombian border through which hundreds of thousands of migrants traverse annually en route to the United States. This promise presents a considerable challenge, alongside addressing a drought affecting the Panama Canal’s operation.
As the pro-business victor, Mulino has promised to attract investment while acknowledging concerns such as access to drinking water and rising crime rates voiced by many voters. He is set to assume office on July 1st, succeeding outgoing president Laurentino Cotizo.
