The Panama Supreme Court has ruled that Jose Raul Mulino is eligible to run in the country’s presidential election, removing uncertainty just two days before the vote. Mulino, who replaced former President Ricardo Martinelli as the candidate for the Realizando Metas party, had been facing questions about his eligibility after Martinelli lost his appeal to overturn a money-laundering conviction. Despite not fulfilling a law that requires presidential candidates to participate in a party primary and choose a running mate, Mulino was allowed to stand for election by the Electoral Tribunal in March. The Supreme Court ruled that Mulino’s candidacy did not violate the constitution, citing the right of Panamanians to elect and be elected, and political pluralism as key factors in their decision.
Magistrate Maria Eugenia Lopez, the president of the Supreme Court, stated that the jurists rejected the challenge to Mulino’s candidacy by a margin of 8 to 1, emphasizing the importance of defending country and democracy, social peace, and the right to elect and be elected. While Mulino may lack Martinelli’s charisma, he has maintained close ties to his former running mate’s policies and enjoys strong support from Martinelli, who remains inside Nicaragua’s embassy in Panama. Mulino has promised to restore the economic prosperity of Martinelli’s presidency and address migration through the Darien Gap jungle. The former president expressed that the Supreme Court’s decision will set an example for future electoral processes and highlighted the importance of truth, law, and justice in the end.
Corruption has been a significant issue in public opinion polls leading up to the election, with all eight candidates promising to address the issue. Seven of the candidates are considered conservative, with only economist Maribel Gordon representing the left as a long-shot contender. Former President Martin Torrijos trails closest behind Mulino in the polls with only 5 percent of the vote. Mulino, who has served as foreign minister and justice minister, gained notoriety as Martinelli’s security minister, particularly for a violent crackdown on Indigenous workers protesting conditions at banana plantations in 2010. The clashes resulted in two deaths and more than 100 injuries.
As the frontrunner in the presidential election, Mulino is leading the crowded field of candidates with over 30 percent support in the polls. He has continued to align himself with Martinelli’s policies and priorities, promising to restore economic prosperity from Martinelli’s presidency and address issues such as migration through the Darien Gap jungle. The Supreme Court’s ruling on Mulino’s eligibility has brought clarity to the election just two days before the vote, allowing voters to make an informed decision. Despite facing challenges regarding his candidacy, Mulino has remained committed to his campaign and the platform he represents, while also contending with other candidates who are competing to address issues such as corruption and economic growth in Panama.
