Following Martinelli’s recent conviction in Panama, José Raúl Mulino, his running mate and former public security minister, stepped in. Despite bypassing party selection processes, the Supreme Court rejected the constitutional challenge to his candidacy. Mulino has also faced scrutiny for corruption allegations on embezzlement. He spent six months in jail and despite lengthy journalistic investigations on the matter, charges against him were dropped.
The rest of the candidates have denounced they don’t have equal opportunities or resources. The ruling party, for example, has been accused of using state resources to influence the elections, creating an uneven playing field for all candidates.
This Sunday, Panamanians head to the polls to elect a new president amid controversy and uncertainty. The country grapples with institutional fragility, tight margins in the polls and the lack of a runoff election. This intensifies the ongoing political crisis, fueled by social inequality and corruption protests in recent years.
Former President Ricardo Martinelli, once the front-runner, was disqualified following a ten-year sentence on money laundering charges. He was convicted in July 2023 for his involvement in the “New Business” case, where companies that won bids during his presidency sent over US$40 million to a ghost company owned by him.
In 2021, former president Martinelli pleaded guilty to money laundering and his son confessed to the acceptance of bribes before a New York court linked to the large-scale money laundering and bribery scheme of the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht.
The slogan for the leading campaign asserts, “Martinelli is Mulino and Mulino is Martinelli.“. While disconcerting, Mulino’s lead on the polls can be attributed to the economic growth during Martinelli’s administration, driven by the construction of the first metro line and the expansion of the Panama Canal.
Regardless of the election, Panamanians recognise corruption as a big problem. With a score of 35 points on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the country’s lowest since 2012, it’s clear there hasn’t been enough progress in ensuring transparency and accountability. The fight against corruption has seen both progress and challenges.
Even though authorities are launching more investigations, cases often stagnate or don’t reach the courts. As the election approaches, tensions escalate, creating a dangerous situation that could cause social unrest and violence. We call on authorities to ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process, safeguarding the rights of all citizens. Despite the election outcome, hope remains.
The incoming president has the power to create real change and effectively address corruption. Civil organizations advise the new government to strengthen legal frameworks, reinforce laws against public administration crimes, implement anti-bribery laws, and protect whistleblowers, journalists and activists from judicial harassment. Legal reforms are also needed to ensure transparency in officials’ financial disclosures and conflicts of interest, as well as to improve public access to information.
