Panama's Mulino wins presidency with support from convicted former leader

PANAMA CITY, May 5 (Reuters) - Panama's former security minister Jose Raul Mulino on Sunday 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.

Mulino, 64, was one of the favorites for the presidency after he stepped in to replace Martinelli on the ballot when the former president was barred from running due to a money laundering conviction.

"Mission accomplished, damn it," Mulino told his supporters to loud cheers and applause. "To Ricardo Martinelli, friend, mission accomplished as well."

Mulino said his government would be pro-investment and pro-business and said the Central American country would honor its debts, but also vowed to not forget the poor.


https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/panamanians-vote-crowded-field-presidential-contenders-2024-05-05/