Panama blocks ex-President Martinelli from election
This article is a summary of reporting by Al Jazeera. Originally published March 5, 2024.
Panamanian electoral authorities officially blocked former President Ricardo Martinelli from participating in the upcoming general election after his multi-year prison term for money laundering was finalized. Martinelli, who served from 2009 to 2014, maintained significant popularity across the country before the court's decisive ruling. The decision threw the election into uncertainty and catalyzed his party to elevate José Raúl Mulino to lead the presidential bid.
AI Summary
Panama's electoral court annulled the candidacy of former President Ricardo Martinelli following a confirmed 10-year prison sentence.
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