Panama - March 2024

The Electoral Tribunal confirmed the ineligibility of former president Ricardo Martinelli to run in the upcoming presidential election, given his criminal conviction for money laundering, ratified last month by the Supreme Court. Martinelli, who is currently seeking asylum in the Nicaraguan embassy, had appealed his ineligibility after the Tribunal first decided on the matter in early March. The Tribunal further determined that Jose Raul Mulino, who was Martinelli’s running mate, can hold the presidential candidacy for the Realizando Metas (RM) and Alianza alliance. The Tribunal determined Mulino will appear on the ballot without a running mate, a decision criticised by some analysts as a restrictive interpretation of the law. 

Further, a lawyer filed a constitutional appeal before the Supreme Court against Mulino taking over the presidential candidacy for RM and Alianza, in which it is argued that because Mulino did not participate in a primary as a presidential candidate, it contravenes party rules and the constitution. 

Sources: EcoTV Panama, Destino Panama, Metro Libre, International IDEA