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Why has Panama blocked ex-president Martinelli from election?
The tribunal disqualified Ricardo Martinelli’s candidacy over 10-year prison sentence for money laundering received in 2023.
Panama's former President Ricardo Martinelli gestures during his 2024 presidential campaign kick-off event, in Panama City, Panama February 3, 2024. REUTERS/Aris Martinez/File Photo
The electoral tribunal in Panama has invalidated the candidacy of former President Ricardo Martinelli for the upcoming May presidential election. This decision effectively puts an end to Martinelli’s aspirations for re-election. The move comes one month after the ex-president’s unsuccessful attempt to avoid a prison sentence for corruption, leading him to seek asylum in the Nicaraguan embassy.
Martinelli was convicted of using embezzled public funds
Ricardo Martinelli, who served as president from 2009 to 2014, was convicted last year for using embezzled public funds to acquire a stake in a publishing house. The 71-year-old, a former supermarket tycoon, received a prison sentence of over 10 years and a $19 million fine.
Despite the Supreme Court rejecting his appeal against the sentence last month, Martinelli criticized the decision, labelling it an “illegal last-minute move” to remove him from the presidential race. With the confirmation of his conviction, the Electoral Tribunal was able to nullify his candidacy, in accordance with Panama’s constitution, which prohibits individuals sentenced to five years or more from holding elected office.
Martinelli was considered one of the frontrunners in polls
Prior to the annulment, Martinelli had been widely considered the frontrunner in polls for the May election. Following the decision, his running mate, former Foreign Minister Jose Raul Mulino, received authorization from the tribunal to proceed as the sole presidential candidate on the ballot.
Martinelli, who also faced disqualification from running for a legislative seat, maintains his innocence, attributing the legal actions against him to political persecution. Despite his status as a millionaire businessman when assuming the presidency, Martinelli has faced multiple corruption investigations since leaving office.
Martinelli is on trial for corruption
In 2021, he was acquitted of charges related to espionage and the misappropriation of public funds. However, a separate trial, scheduled to take place after the May 5 elections, awaits him. This trial is related to alleged bribery payments during his presidency, involving the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, for public works projects in Panama. Martinelli, known for his populist approach and oversight of significant infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the capital’s inaugural subway line, stands as the first former president in Panama to be convicted of a crime.
Last year, the US government took the step of prohibiting Martinelli and his immediate family from entering the country, citing what it described as his “significant” involvement in corruption.
