Martinelli’s Shadow Still Dominates Panama Election
The former president’s proxy candidate, José Raúl Mulino, leads the polls ahead of the May 5 vote.
PANAMA CITY — In recent weeks, Nicaragua’s tiny embassy in Panama City has been inundated with lawyers, politicians, and a troop of workmen carrying out renovations for its most famous guest. In February, Ricardo Martinelli, a billionaire businessman and former president, sought asylum there after local courts ratified his 10-year prison sentence for money laundering and declared his bid for president illegal. Ever since, through his social media and that of his dog Bruno, Martinelli has been campaigning heavily ahead of Panama’s general election on May 5. He is backing the...
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