Panama's former security minister Jose Raul Mulino stormed to victory in a presidential poll dominated by his old boss, the popular ex-leader Ricardo Martinelli, who buttressed his campaign despite being holed up in Nicaragua's embassy.

Panama City

Jose Raul Mulino, former security minister of Panama, has been elected as the country's next president in a notable election spotlighted by the involvement of Ricardo Martinelli, Panama's ex-leader, who is currently residing in Nicaragua's embassy due to money laundering convictions. Despite his circumstances, Martinelli played a significant role in Mulino's campaign, support that appears to have contributed significantly to Mulino's electoral victory.

Mulino, who previously served as defense minister, was considered a leading candidate after taking the place of Martinelli, who was ineligible to run for the presidency. From within the premises of the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City, where he has sought asylum, Martinelli actively supported Mulino, enhancing his campaign. Upon winning, Mulino delivered a victory speech, acknowledging Martinelli's instrumental support and expressing his gratitude for the unique position in which he found himself.

In his victory speech, the president-elect pledged to lead with a pro-business ethos, focusing on respecting Panama's financial commitments while emphasizing the importance of not neglecting the nation's impoverished population. He articulated his vision for Panama's future, promising to spur prosperity through significant infrastructure investments and raising the minimum wage. Moreover, Mulino hinted at efforts to ensure Martinelli would avoid imprisonment, despite the latter's legal issues.

Mulino's presidential term, set to commence on July 1, will span five years, during which he aims to implement his ambitious agenda. His association with Martinelli and the promise of economic development and social initiatives were central themes throughout his campaign. While some view Mulino as a stand-in for Martinelli, others have raised concerns about his autonomy as the nation's leader.



Panama's next president wins with support from convicted ex-leader

Jose Raul Molina has won the presidency of Panama in an election dominated by his old boss, ex-leader Ricardo Martinelli, who's convicted of money laundering and his holdup in Nicaragua's embassy in the capital Panama City. Molino was once defense minister and was a favorite for the top job after he stepped in to replace Martinelli, who had been barred from running. While in a strange campaign, Martinelli played a key role drumming up support for Molino from within the embassy where he sought asylum. Molino gave a victory speech Sunday evening. To Ricardo Martinelli, my friend, mission accomplished, Ricardo. When you invited me to be vice president, I did not imagine this scenario, but it was my turn and I took it on with enormous responsibility and humility. The president-elect went on to say he would be a pro-business leader and that the Central American country would honor debts to its creditors while also vowing not to forget the poor. Many voters saw Molino as a proxy for Martinelli, though opponents called him a puppet of the former president. Nicaragua granted Martinelli asylum, but Panamanian authorities have blocked him from leaving the country. Molino has promised to usher in prosperity through ambitious infrastructure investment and a higher minimum wage while suggesting he would keep Martinelli out of jail. Molino will take office on July 1st for a five-year term.

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