Panamanians endured long voting lines under the sweltering heat as they cast their votes for the President of the Republic on Sunday. The campaign period leading up to the election was marked by protests, with citizens expressing concerns about issues such as corruption scandals and a migration crisis in the Darién Jungle.
The Darién Jungle, a region controlled by organized criminals, has been the site of extortion and violence against migrants, with at least 141 deaths reported in 2023. These issues have significantly influenced the political landscape in Panama, with candidates addressing them in their platforms.
With 20.41% of the votes counted, conservative candidate José Raúl Mulino is currently leading with 33% of the votes. Mulino, who promises to address the challenges in the Darién Jungle, is followed by Ricardo Lombana and former president Martín Torrijos in the election race.
The election in Panama has been described as “the most complex in modern history” by experts, highlighting the significance of the political choices facing the country. The inclusion of Mulino as a candidate, following a court decision on Friday, added a last-minute twist to the election proceedings.
Despite controversies surrounding corruption scandals and
