Today, Panamanians are casting their votes in a pivotal election that has captured the nation's attention due to the unfolding drama surrounding the country's ex-president, despite his absence from the ballot.
The election is shaping up to be one of the most complex in Panama's modern history, characterized by increased political fragmentation and social discontent under outgoing President Laurentino Cortizo.
The presidential race took an unexpected turn when leading contender José Raúl Mulino was given the green light to run by Panama's Supreme Court, despite initial doubts about the legitimacy of his candidacy. Mulino stepped in as the candidate for the Achieving Goals party, replacing former President Ricardo Martinelli, who was disqualified from running due to a money laundering conviction.
Mulino, who has closely aligned himself with Martinelli, has promised to continue the economic prosperity seen under the former president's administration and to crack down on migration through the perilous Darien Gap, a region that saw half a million migrants pass through last year.
Other notable candidates in the race include former President Martín Torrijos, as well as Ricardo Lombana and Rómulo Roux, who have previously run for office.
The election comes on the heels of mass anti-government protests last year, sparked by concerns over a controversial government contract with a copper mine. Critics argued that the project posed environmental risks and threatened water sources, exacerbating the impact of a severe drought that has disrupted trade transit through the Panama Canal.
As Panamanians head to the polls, they are faced with a choice that will shape the country's future trajectory, balancing promises of economic growth, migration control, and the need for political stability in a nation grappling with complex challenges.
