Panama voters to elect new president in crowded field of contenders
Al Jazeera
Eight contenders are vying for the position, with the protege of an ex-head of state convicted for corruption in the lead.
Panamanians are heading to the polls for a general election to choose the nation’s next president and vote for hundreds of lawmakers and officials.
Following weeks of campaign events, more than three million voters will decide who among eight candidates is best placed to fix Panama’s pressing economic problems, tackle corruption and restore the country’s reputation as an investment haven.
No single party is forecast to win control of the legislature, where 885 seats are up for grabs.
Polls are open for eight hours from 7am (12:00 GMT) for those eligible to vote.
Jose Raul Mulino, a former minister who remained on the ticket after his running mate, popular ex-President Ricardo Martinelli (2009-14), was barred from running due to a money laundering conviction, is leading in opinion polls.