Popular ex-President Ricardo Martinelli’s replacement candidate has promised to stimulate the economy.
Jose Raul Mulino, a deputy of a former president who was banned from running, has won the country’s presidential election.
Authorities unofficially canceled the race late Sunday after three of Mulino’s closest competitors suffered defeat. The former security minister, who entered the race late after his mentor President Ricardo Martinelli was ousted from power following a corruption conviction, secured more than a third of the votes cast in the country of 4.4 million.
For the new head of state, the Central American country’s problems include government corruption, a severe drought that has affected maritime traffic in the economically important Panama Canal, and the US-bound migrants who are moving in droves through the Panamanian jungle Game.
“Mission accomplished,” Mulino said after the initial results were published. “This is perhaps the most important date of my life, and the greatest responsibility of a Panamanian lies on my shoulders and my family to guide the destiny of the nation.”
The 64-year-old, who ran on the Achieving Goals and Alliance parties’ list, had topped opinion polls ahead of the vote, highlighting his links to Martinelli, who was his original candidate for the candidacy.
The popular former president, who presided over a booming economy from 2009 to 2014, was expected to run with Mulino as his deputy. However, he was banned due to a money laundering conviction.
The fiery politician still dominated much of the race and campaigned for Mulino at the Nicaraguan embassy, where he sought refuge on February 8 after receiving political asylum.
Mulino paid tribute to Martinelli after his win, saying: “When you invited me to be vice president, I never could have imagined it.”
More than 77 percent of the three million eligible voters voted for a new president, a new parliament and new local governments for the next five years.
Anti-corruption candidate Ricardo Lombana followed Mulino in second place, ahead of former President Martin Torrijos and former Chancellor Romulo Roux. The three suffered a defeat on Sunday evening.
Power behind the throne
Mulino, who will serve a single five-year term as head of state and prime minister, is expected to take office on July 1.
A last-minute Supreme Court decision had upheld his attempt to vouch for Martinelli after the former president lost an appeal against his conviction.
Mulino’s candidacy had been challenged because he had not won a primary or chosen a running mate, as required by Panamanian law.
But the court dismissed that appeal in a ruling that was welcomed by Martinelli, whose government oversaw an infrastructure boom including a widening of the Panama Canal and the construction of Central America’s first subway line.
Mulino has promised a return to strong economic growth. Many believe that former President Martinelli will lead the country from behind the scenes.
Voters were very concerned about corruption and the economy. The term of outgoing President Laurentino Cortizo of the majority Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) was marked by allegations of widespread official corruption, declining foreign investment and high public debt.
Last year the country was rocked by protests over a government concession for Canadian mining company First Quantum to continue operating the Cobre Panama copper mine.
Critics say the mine endangers water sources; a particularly sensitive issue in Panama at the moment. The drought has significantly hindered trade transit through the Panama Canal.
The country also faces high income inequality, unemployment is near 10 percent and gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to slow from 7.3 percent in 2023 to 2.5 percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund slow it down.
Mulino will also have to deal with migration issues. About half a million migrants have flowed through the Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama. Activists warn that they face exploitation and physical danger.