José Raúl Mulino, a conservative candidate in Panama’s 2024 presidential race, emerged victorious in Sunday’s general election by securing a nearly ten percent lead over his closest competitor. Mulino, a 64-year-old lawyer and former minister of security, focused his campaign on implementing stricter measures to curb migration through the dangerous Darien Gap jungle trail that Panama shares with Colombia. He also pledged to bolster Panama’s economy.
Mulino, who ran as a substitute for former President Ricardo Martinelli, who was prohibited from seeking re-election due to a ten-year prison sentence for money laundering, is set to assume office for a five-year term on July 1. He garnered 34.32 percent of the votes as the candidate for the “Save Panama” coalition, composed of Martinelli’s Realizing Goals party and the centrist Alliance Party.
In his victory speech, Mulino expressed gratitude towards his supporters and emphasized his commitment to lead Panama with a pro-investment and pro-private enterprise approach. He also vowed to address challenges such as poverty and access to clean water while championing freedoms of speech and human rights.
Mulino’s plans to close the Darien Gap and handle migrants while upholding human rights provisions have gained attention, although specifics of his proposed actions remain undisclosed. The Organization of American States (OAS) head, Luis Almagro, extended congratulations to Mulino and commended Panamanians for their strong voter turnout.
Overall, Mulino’s win marks a significant political shift in Panama, with a focus on conservative values and promises of economic growth and security under his leadership.
