06 May Panama has elected a new President
Talk about a close race and excitement up to the last minute. The Electoral Tribunal declared last night the winner after 95% of the votes were counted. Although it’s called unofficial at this time the results are irreversible. The official announcement of the new President of Panama will be on Thursday. The new President of the Republic of Panama for the next 5 years will be Laurentino “Nito” Cortizo.
The 66 year old lawmaker was born to Spanish and Greek immigrants. President “Nito” Cortizo studied business in Texas. During his career, he was involved in construction and the livestock industry. His political career started in 1994 when he was elected into Congress. Ten years after being elected to congress, he was nominated to Minister of Agriculture Development in 2004. He resigned after only 15 months, because he refused to sign a free trade agreement with the USA. In his beliefs it would have harmed the agriculture of Panama.
His campaign, that led to the victory over his close rival Rómulo Roux, was based on fighting corruption by reforming the public contract laws. The reform will help govern those contracts and how they are being awarded. Newly elected President Cortizo’s other major campaign issues are improving the education system, Panama’s rising unemployment, water utilities and garbage collection.
In an interview with Reuters President Cortizo stated that he will improve the ties with the Unites States, as they are the most and main strategic partner.
Photo credit: J. CABEZAS (REUTERS)