In a statement after receiving a call confirming his election as Panama's president, Jose Raul Mulino pledged to soon form a government of national unity.
On the evening of May 5 (local time), the Panamanian Electoral Court recognized Mr. Jose Raul Mulino, candidate of the opposition coalition including the Realization of Goals party and the Alianza movement, as the winner of the presidential election after preliminary results from more than 85% of polling stations.
With more than 80% of the votes counted, José Raúl Mulino won 34% of the votes, while candidate Ricardo Lombana came in second with 25% support.
Mr Mulino is one of the leading candidates for the presidency after former President Ricardo Martinelli was banned from running for money laundering.
A total of eight candidates are running in Panama’s 2024-2029 presidential election. Other prominent presidential candidates include former Foreign Minister Rómulo Roux of the Democratic Change (CD) coalition and the Panameñista (PPa) party; diplomat Ricardo Lombana of the “Other Way Movement” (Moca) party; and former President Martín Torrijos (2004-2009) of the Popular Party (PP).
TH (Synthesis)