Just a mere six months ago, José Raúl Mulino had all but retired from the political arena. Yet, in a stunning turn of events, he now stands poised to lead Panama as its president for the next five years, an outcome he never envisioned.
Addressing a jubilant crowd of supporters on Sunday night, Mulino expressed his disbelief, stating, “I never imagined this.”
Amidst a historic and turbulent election, preliminary results catapulted Mulino to the forefront of Panamanian politics, charting a course for the usually tranquil Central American nation amid political unrest, historic migration, and economic challenges.
The 64-year-old lawyer, whose political career seemed to have reached its zenith as minister of security during President Ricardo Martinelli’s tenure from 2009 to 2014, found himself thrust into the limelight following a twist of fate. Initially chosen as Martinelli’s running mate, Mulino ascended to the presidential ticket after Martinelli’s disqualification due to a money laundering conviction.
Undeterred by constitutional challenges, Mulino defied the odds, securing victory in Sunday’s election with an impressive 35% of the vote and a commanding nine-point lead over his closest rival.
Central to Mulino’s triumph was the unwavering support of Martinelli, whose endorsement proved pivotal in galvanizing voters. While Mulino may lack his predecessor’s charismatic flair, his association with Martinelli’s prosperous tenure resonated with a populace yearning for economic revitalization amid stagnation.
Martinelli, confined to the Nicaraguan Embassy since February under political asylum, reaffirmed his trust in Mulino, citing their decades-long camaraderie and Mulino’s adept understanding of economic dynamics.
A maritime law expert hailing from Tulane University, Mulino’s journey from civil activism against the dictatorship of Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega to the cusp of Panama’s presidency embodies resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
As Mulino assumes the mantle of leadership, Panama braces for a new era under his stewardship, marked by the promise of progress and the challenges of navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.
