:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/QILE5MKEJ5TYNCK2DXGSHVTILI.jpg "Venezuelan opposition parties congratulated Mulino for winning the presidential elections in Panama")
José Raúl Mulino, the presidential candidate of Realizing Goals, is celebrating after winning the general elections in Panama City on Sunday, May 5, 2024. With 34.4% of the votes, Mulino has been elected as the president for the period 2024-2029.
The opposition parties of Venezuela, Un Nuevo Tiempo (UNT) and Voluntad Popular (VP), have congratulated Mulino on his victory. They hope for his contribution to the re-institutionalization of Panama and to foster better bilateral relations with Venezuela. Meanwhile, the opposition coalition Democratic Unitary Platform in Venezuela is preparing for their own presidential elections on July 28 in support of Edmundo González Urrutia.
Henrique Capriles, a two-time opposition presidential candidate in Venezuela, also extended his congratulations to Mulino and expressed hope for new opportunities and improvements for Venezuelans living in Panama. Mulino’s victory comes after receiving 34.4% of the votes, surpassing other candidates such as Ricardo Lombana, Martín Torrijos, and Rómulo Roux.
Mulino, who was designated as a candidate for the Save Panama alliance, promised to close the border crossing with Colombia in the face of the migration crisis. He expressed his intention to repatriate all migrants while respecting human rights. With his background as Minister of Security, Mulino believes he can effectively manage the situation in the Darién jungle.
Panama has been vocal about its concerns regarding the situation in Venezuela and has called for free and transparent elections in the South American country. Mulino’s victory signals a new era for Panama, with promises of addressing migration issues and improving relations with neighboring countries.
As Mulino prepares to take office in July, he faces the challenges of managing migration and ensuring a smooth transition of power. With the support of the Realizing Goals party and the alliance with Alianza, Mulino is set to lead Panama into a new chapter of leadership and governance.