People in Panama head to the polls on Sunday, to elect a new President. The vote comes against a backdrop of social discontent, economic slowdown and drought.

Panama City

Panama is currently holding its presidential election, a significant event unfolding against a backdrop of economic challenges, a severe drought, and widespread social unrest. The election is poised as a pivotal moment for the nation, hoping to address various crises that have fueled frustration among its citizens.

Ernesto Rodriguez, a 65-year-old retiree living west of the capital, shares his grievances, exemplifying the hardship faced by many Panamanians. Rodriguez recounts the struggles with water scarcity and the financial strain wrought by receiving only two-thirds of his expected pension amidst surging living costs. He attributes these issues to systemic corruption, expressing a pervasive disillusionment with the political establishment.

The current political atmosphere reflects a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the administration of outgoing president Laurentino Cortizo, whose tenure was marred by corruption scandals, protests against economic policies, unemployment, and ecological concerns. The electoral race sees several frontrunners who, paradoxically, have been implicated in or convicted of corruption offenses.

In a notable twist, José Raúl Mulino emerged as a top contender after former president Ricardo Martinelli, sentenced for money laundering, was disqualified from the race. The election is further complicated by a widespread sense of apathy among voters, underscored by activist Isaía Ramos. Ramos highlights the lack of genuine political diversity and the general public's disillusionment with the available choices.

As Panamanians cast their votes, the sentiment shared by Rodriguez and echoed by many others points to a deep-seated demand for genuine change. The election not only serves as a critical juncture for addressing immediate issues such as the drought and economic downturn but also as a moment for the nation to confront the insidious problem of corruption that has long undermined public trust and governance in Panama.



Panama votes amid a political crisis

Ernesto Rodriguez hopes for Panama's next presidential election are as low as the water in his tap. They close the water with no warning. Most times it takes eight days to get it back. One time we went for about 16 days without water. The 65-year-old former public employee, living west of the capital, says he's had those problems for years because of the poor distribution system. Recently retired, he says he's receiving only two-thirds of the pension he is due, which is not much given the spiralling cost of living, and says corruption is to blame. That's why I don't believe in politics and politicians. No one convinces me because they all come with promises, but when they reach the top they forget about the people. And Ernesto is not alone. Today's presidential election takes place at a time of widespread frustration with a political establishment and economic decline. The outgoing president, Laurentino Cortizo, is highly unpopular and has faced corruption scandals. His administration drew large protests against inflation, high unemployment and in opposition to copper mining. Add to the mix an unprecedented drought affecting the Panama Canal and a worsened foreign investment climate. Yet while Panamanians see corruption as one of their most pressing problems, paradoxically the majority of the frontrunners in these elections have either been questioned for or have already been convicted in corruption schemes. José Raúl Mulino was thrust to the top of the ticket after electoral authorities removed former president Ricardo Martinelli from the race after a 10-year sentence for money laundering. Isaía Ramos, one of the leaders of the 2023 protests, says the general apathy is because of the lack of real alternatives. People are anxious. They don't feel represented. Those who will vote are likely to do so for petty economic or political interests. But the truth is that in Panama, despite having different parties, there is no ideological difference, no different ways of managing the state. With a quarter of voters still undecided, the outcome of this race remains uncertain. Back at Ernesto's house, he says whoever wins will have a hard time easing the tensions and gaining people's trust. Alessandro Rampietti, Al Jazeera, Panama.

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