Eight candidates are vying for the place, with the protégé of a former head of state convicted of corruption main the best way.
Panamanians are heading to the polls for a common election to elect the nation’s subsequent president and vote for lots of of legislators and officers.
After weeks of marketing campaign occasions, greater than three million voters will resolve who amongst eight candidates is greatest positioned to unravel Panama’s urgent financial issues, tackle corruption and restore the nation’s repute as an funding haven.
No occasion is predicted to win management of the legislature, the place 885 seats are up for grabs.
Polls are open for eight hours from 7am (12:00 GMT) for these eligible to vote.
José Raúl Mulino, a former minister who remained on the ticket after his operating mate, the favored former president Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014), was barred from operating resulting from a cash laundering conviction, leads the polls in opinion.
Martinelli has dominated a lot of the race, campaigning for his former operating mate from contained in the Nicaraguan embassy, the place he took refuge on February 8 after receiving political asylum.
Mulino has taken benefit of his connection to the previous president, who isn’t seen with out his blue “Martinelli Mulino 2024” cap and promising to assist Martinelli if elected. He has additionally promised a return to the colourful economic system seen beneath Martinelli.
Rómulo Roux, in his second bid for the presidency, and former president Martín Torrijos have alternated between second and third place. He’s carefully adopted by Ricardo Lombana, who additionally ran within the final elections, and the present vp José Gabriel Carrizo.
Panama’s electoral guidelines don’t require a second spherical, making Sunday’s outcome remaining. The campaigns have mentioned they may ship volunteers to the polls to watch voting and guarantee a good election.
The winner, who serves as Panama’s head of state and prime minister, will take workplace on July 1.
Agitation
Mulino’s marketing campaign message seems to resonate with many citizens bored with the political institution in Panama, which was roiled for weeks final 12 months by mass anti-government protests.
The protests focused a 20-year authorities concession for Canadian miner First Quantum to proceed working the Cobre Panama copper mine, which critics say endangers the surroundings and water at a time when the drought is so extreme. which has successfully hindered business transit by the Panama Canal. .
Lawmakers from completely different events who backed the controversial contract have confronted backlash that might injury their assist, as many Panamanians who protested final 12 months mentioned it was awarded by corruption.
Panama’s highest court docket dominated the contract unconstitutional in November.
Corruption has grow to be a sizzling matter for voters. Native media have not too long ago reported on profitable scholar loans and scholarships awarded to youngsters of high-profile politicians and rich households.
The following authorities must cope with a troubled pension fund system, excessive ranges of public debt and the lack of income from the mine closure, which accounted for about 5 p.c of gross home product.
