By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
  • Home
  • International
    InternationalShow More
    United Nations
    4th International Conference On Financing For Development Delivers Renewed Hope And Action For Sustainable Development
    3 months ago
    The African Development Bank and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) scale up drive for sustainable urbanization in Africa
    AfDB, UN-Habitat Scale Up Drive For Sustainable Urbanisation In Africa
    3 months ago
    UN
    North Africa: Green Climate Fund Approves Record $300m For FAO-designed Projects In Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, The Sahel
    3 months ago
    UNICEF
    How Wars Across Middle East, North Africa Affecting Children – UNICEF
    3 months ago
    UNDP
    UN Development Programme Welcomes Historic Deal On Sustainable Development Even Amidst Global Turmoil
    3 months ago
  • Africa
    Africa
    Show More
    Top News
    African Union Member States Pledge To Improve Nutrition And Food Security In Africa
    3 years ago
    Climate Change: How Women Weather The Storm In Sudan
    3 years ago
    New Visa Requirement For Namibian Nationals Visiting the United Kingdom
    2 years ago
    Latest News
     South Africa’s Think 20: Experts Address How Africa Can Bridge Digital Divide And Achieving Financial Inclusion
    2 weeks ago
    U.S. Africa Command Commander Visits West Africa, Underscores Partnership In Addressing Evolving Terrorism Threat
    2 weeks ago
    West Africa Regional Preparatory Workshop For COP30 On Climate Change Opens In Dakar
    2 weeks ago
    Systemic Racism Against Africans And People Of African Descent In Criminal Justice Systems Is Pervasive
    2 weeks ago
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
    Politics
    Show More
    Top News
    Voters In Katsina Vow To Dump Buhairi, APC
    3 years ago
    My Son Must Win, Ondo State’s King Threatens His People
    3 years ago
    I Will Not Disappoint My Constituents, Dekor Reassures Ogoni People
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Minister of Women Affairs Visits APC Youth House To Mark International Day Of Girl Child
    20 hours ago
    EU, ADC Parley: Calls for Electoral Reforms To Guarantee Free, Fair, Credible Polls In Nigeria
    6 days ago
    NSC Chairman To Engage With Youth And Sports Stakeholders At The Nest Centre
    2 months ago
    Edo District Bye-election: SDP Candidate, Hon. Isidahomhen Promises To Pursue Best Interest Of Esanland 
    2 months ago
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
    News
    Show More
    Top News
    Pa Abdulfatah Amoo Ayanwale
    Pa Ayanwale Dies At 76, Fidau Prayers Holds 8 August
    2 years ago
    Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Begins Construction Of First Flyover In Akure
    2 years ago
    Celebration Of Life: Reverend Adewumi Jegede Of Later House Of God Assembly Buried Amid Pomp
    1 year ago
    Latest News
    New Twist In Lekki Land Saga, As Lagos AG Orders Fresh Police Investigation
    10 hours ago
    Anambra Traditional Ruler For Burial 9 October
    6 days ago
    Lagos Hosts Eko Skills Development Initiative For Youths
    1 week ago
    October 1: Nationhood Must Translate Into Better Living Conditions For Nigerians, CAPPA Tells FG
    1 week ago
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
    Entertainment
    Show More
    Top News
    Nigeria’s Glo(W)Ing Entertainment Industry: 19 Years Of Strategic Partnership
    3 years ago
    2023 Polls: Stay Tuned To These Channels On GOtv For Breaking News And Analysis 
    3 years ago
    Family, Friends Celebrate As Princess Zara Raji Turns Two
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    GOtv Stream vs. Traditional TV: Why Viewers Are Loving the Flexibility
    2 weeks ago
    Securing Africa’s Digital Future: Entertainment in Safe Hands
    3 weeks ago
    BBNaija S10: Joanna, Mide, and Isabella Clash as Denari and Tracy Exit the House
    4 weeks ago
    Akamai Adaptive Media Player 2: Bitmovin And Akamai Set New Streaming Standard
    1 month ago
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
    Lifestyle
    Show More
    Top News
    Ambassador Raffy Bello Greets Imperial Majesty, Ooni Enitan-Ogunwusi, As Olojo Festival Begins In Ile-Ife
    2 weeks ago
    Leadership
    CEO Shares 3 Qualities Every Effective Leader Has
    2 years ago
    Lagos SWAN Holds Cultural Sports And Traditional Fashion Fiesta
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Ambassador Raffy Bello Greets Imperial Majesty, Ooni Enitan-Ogunwusi, As Olojo Festival Begins In Ile-Ife
    2 weeks ago
    Preserving African Culture: Polaris Bank , Chivita, And Danone Support CIKDAS’ Youth Literary Initiative
    1 month ago
    Nigeria, Switzerland Takes Major Steps Towards Repatriation Of Artifacts And Cultural Cooperation
    1 month ago
    Archbishop Ugorji Hails St. Helen’s Choir As One of the Best Choirs in Owerri Archdiocese
    1 month ago
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
    BusinessShow More
    Unity Bank Shareholders Approve Merger With Providus Bank
    2 weeks ago
    Yomi Joseph Digital Pr Launches 360° Marketing Solutions To Transform Brands Into Industry Leaders
    2 weeks ago
    Gov Abiodun Showcases Ogun Investment Opportunities At AfCFTA In Algeria
    1 month ago
    Intra-African Trade Fair
    Nigeria To Host Intra-African Trade Fair In 2027
    1 month ago
    Bank of Agriculture
    How Nigeria-Brazil Pact Will Boost Agricultural Investment, Food Security – BOA
    1 month ago
  • Health
    Health
    Show More
    Top News
    WHO
    WHO Raises Alarm Over Rise In Cholera Cases In Nigeria, Malawi, Cameroon, 7 Other Africa Nations
    3 years ago
    Tackling Preventable Diseases, Africa Needs To Vaccinate 33m Children To Put Progress Back On Track
    2 years ago
    USAID
    United States Partners Woman-Owned Nigerian Company To Fight Malnutrition
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    2025 World Pharmacist Day: Lagos Takes Healthcare To Ikorodu Communities
    1 week ago
    World Heart Day: Adopt Healthy Food Policies, CAPPA Tasks FG, States
    2 weeks ago
    Lagos Takes Fight Against HIV To Communities
    2 weeks ago
    Nigeria’s Health Financing: Lessons From Canada’s $32.5bn Tobacco Settlement
    3 weeks ago
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Reading: Panama Goes To Poll
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
Aa
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
  • Politics
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Health
  • More
Search
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
  • Health
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Independent News Express > Blog > International > Panama Goes To Poll
International

Panama Goes To Poll

Last updated: 2024/05/05 at 6:49 AM
1 year ago
Share
Panama
SHARE

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.  

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

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.

Former Panamanian president and presidential candidate Ricardo Martinelli (R) and vice-presidential candidate Jose Raul Mulino participate in a political rally in Panama. Photo: /AFP

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. 

You Might Also Like

4th International Conference On Financing For Development Delivers Renewed Hope And Action For Sustainable Development

AfDB, UN-Habitat Scale Up Drive For Sustainable Urbanisation In Africa

North Africa: Green Climate Fund Approves Record $300m For FAO-designed Projects In Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, The Sahel

How Wars Across Middle East, North Africa Affecting Children – UNICEF

UN Development Programme Welcomes Historic Deal On Sustainable Development Even Amidst Global Turmoil

TAGGED: Panama
INadminNG May 5, 2024 May 5, 2024
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Print
Previous Article Lagos Football Will Bounce Back, Chairman Reassures Stakeholders
Next Article Ondo Govt Set To Boost Water Supply, Orders Rehabilitation Of Owena Dam
about us

Independent News Express (iNews Express), a publication of 4Ds Nigeria Limited, is birthed out of the desires of the founding fathers to report News as it is.

We value Professionalism, Excellence, Service, Creativity and Integrity.

The Company

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

Quick Links

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

Categories

Find Us on Socials

© Independent News Express. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?