Last-minute candidate José Raúl Mulino wins Panama's presidential election

José Raúl Mulino set to lead Panama after winning presidential election, facing challenges of economy and migration.

José Raúl Mulino, the stand-in for former President Ricardo Martinelli in Panama's presidential election, was set to become the new leader of the Central American nation as authorities unofficially called the race on May 5 night after his three nearest rivals conceded.

The 64-year-old former Security Minister had nearly 35% of the votes with more than 92% of the votes counted, giving him a nine-point lead over his nearest competitor.

Mr. Mulino replaced Mr. Martinelli as a candidate after the firebrand former leader was banned from running after being sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering.

“Mission accomplished,” Mr. Mulino told a crowd of supporters, adding an expletive for emphasis. ”This is perhaps the most important date of my life, and the greatest responsibility of a Panamanian falls on my shoulders and my family to lead the destiny of the nation.”

In his speech, he nodded to Mr. Martinelli, saying: “When you invited me to be Vice President, I never imagined this.”

Mr. Mulino, a less charismatic politician, coasted on Mr. Martinelli’s popularity and the booming economy seen under the former leader as Mr. Martinelli campaigned while staying in the Nicaraguan Embassy, where he had sought asylum.

Now, following one of the most tumultuous elections in Panama’s recent history, Mr. Mulino is about to become the new leader of a country with pressing challenges and simmering discontent among many.