Former Panamanian president, Ricardo Martinelli, faces significant challenges as he seeks to reclaim his position in the upcoming elections. Martinelli's bid for presidency is jeopardized by a recent graft sentence, which raises concerns about his eligibility and potential impact on the country's political landscape.
Martinelli, who served as president from 2009 to 2014, has a controversial history marked by allegations of corruption during his tenure. After leaving office, he fled to the United States to evade charges relating to embezzlement, illegal wiretapping, and misuse of public funds. However, in 2018, he was extradited back to Panama to face justice.
