Panama Bars Ex-Leader Martinelli From Presidential Election
This article is a summary of reporting by The New York Times. Originally published March 5, 2024.
Panama's Electoral Tribunal barred former President Ricardo Martinelli from the May 2024 presidential contest due to a nearly 11-year prison sentence for money laundering. Martinelli had previously led opinion polls and was considered a formidable frontrunner. The disqualification upended the political race, paving the way for his designated running mate, former security minister José Raúl Mulino, to take his place atop the ticket while Martinelli sought refuge in Nicaragua's embassy.
AI Summary
Panama's electoral authorities formally disqualified former President Ricardo Martinelli from running in the 2024 presidential race following his conviction for money laundering.
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