Controversy and Corruption: Panama’s Presidential Election Unfolds Amid Protests and Migration Crisis

On Sunday, the people of Panama waited in long lines and endured scorching heat to cast their votes in the presidential election. The campaign leading up to the election was marred by protests, with key issues including a corruption scandal and a migration crisis in the Darién Jungle, where organized criminals extort money from migrants. The death toll in the jungle reached at least 141 in 2023.

As the votes were being counted, it became clear that candidate José Raúl Mulino, representing the Realizando Metas party, had a leading position with 33% of the votes. He promised to address the issues in the Darién Jungle. In second place was Ricardo Lombana from the Movimento Outro Caminho party, with 24% of the votes, followed by former president Martín Torrijos with 16%. There were five other candidates in the running.

The outcome of this election is considered one of the most complex in modern Panama history by Arantza Alonso, a senior analyst for Verisk Maplecroft. Just one day before election day, there was a surprising twist when Supreme Court allowed Mulino to be included as a candidate despite objections from his opponents. This move allowed Mulino to replace former president Ricard Martinelli who was declared ineligible and sought asylum in Nicaraguan embassy.

Despite corruption scandals surrounding Martinelli, there is an element of gratitude among Panamanian voters for economic results during his presidency. As citizens wait anxiously for election results, they hope for a positive change in leadership that will address these pressing issues head-on