PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panama’s Supreme Court rejected a constitutional challenge to the candidacy of leading presidential contender José Raúl Mulino on Friday, providing clarity just two days before the May 5 vote. The challenge was brought forth by lawyer Karisma Etienne Karamañites, who contended that Mulino did not meet the eligibility criteria as he had not been chosen through a primary by the Achieving Goals party of former president Ricardo Martinelli.
In a significant turn of events, Panama’s Electoral Tribunal had previously disqualified Martinelli from running due to a money laundering conviction that resulted in a prison sentence exceeding 10 years. This decision effectively ended Martinelli's bid for a political comeback, as the country's constitution prohibits individuals sentenced to five years or more for a crime from holding elected office.
