Panama Elects Jose Raul Mulino as President: A New Era of Change
In a historic election, Jose Raul Mulino, the protege of a graft-convicted former head of state, has been declared Panama’s president-elect after a decisive victory on Sunday.
Mulino emerged as the winner of the single-round, first-past-the-post race, securing an impressive 34 percent of votes cast, according to the Central American country’s electoral tribunal.
At 64 years old, the new president faces a series of challenges including combating deep-rooted corruption, addressing a severe drought that has affected the Panama Canal, and managing a significant flow of US-bound migrants passing through the country’s jungles.
Expressing his gratitude for the electoral result, Mulino acknowledged the weight of his responsibility and pledged to take bold measures to revive economic growth.
Addressing his joyous supporters, Mulino declared that the vote represented “the majority will of the Panamanian people.”
Runner up Ricardo Lombana, who received 25 percent of the vote, gracefully conceded defeat just moments before the official result was announced.
The election saw long lines at polling stations across the country, with voters casting their ballots for a new president, parliament, and local governments amidst a backdrop of anticipation and hope for change.
Opinion polls had consistently shown right-wing lawyer Mulino leading the pack of eight candidates, though he faced a last-minute court decision that finally validated his run for a five-year term, heightening the suspense of the race.
Offering their congratulations to Mulino, Washington extended warm wishes to the new president-elect, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken recognizing the people of Panama for exercising their free will in the election.
As Panama looks towards a new chapter under Mulino’s leadership, the nation grapples with the urgent need for change, particularly in the areas of corruption, economic development, and security.
With a legacy tainted by scandal and controversy, outgoing president Laurentino Cortizo of the majority PRD center-left party leaves behind a mixed record of achievements and challenges, setting the stage for Mulino to steer the country in a new direction.
As Panama’s new president prepares to take office, the hopes and expectations of the nation rest on his shoulders, as he navigates the complex landscape of governance and guides Panama towards a brighter future.
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