The country faces a crucial decision: continue with its service-based development model based in cities like Panama and Colon, or diversify and strengthen sectors historically neglected.
Three parties that had never before won the presidency obtained the majority of the votes, suggesting possible far-reaching changes, since the elections had been dominated by the PRD, the Panamanian and the CD parties.
Ricardo Martinelli led all polls for years. But after being disqualified by a sentence of more than 10 years in prison for money laundering, he was relieved by José Raúl Mulino, who is emerging as the probable winner.
The lack of water for the normal operation of the Panama Canal, as well as the losses due to the reduction in the crossing of ships has the country on alert. However, the link between environmental deterioration and the economy has been on the national agenda since the 1970s.
